PSAs Shine A Light And Spark Discussion About Affordable Housing

Oct. 30, 2012 - PRLog -- Cincinnati, Ohio – The Affordable Housing Advocates (AHA) releases a series of public service announcements (PSA) to dispel common affordable housing myths and to put a face to affordable housing in Greater Cincinnati.  The broadcast ready PSAs are part of a youth and faith based public education and awareness campaign AHA launched earlier this year.  Visit the campaign website to view, share and discuss with your family, neighbors and church members: http://landing.ahacincy.org/.

“Myths live on and become destructive if they are not addressed with accurate information,” says AHA member Kelly Kramer.  “A common myth about affordable housing is that it is an issue only affecting people that are poor.  In reality, affordable housing is a desire and concern that we all share.”  

According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), housing is affordable if it costs no more than 30% of your gross income, including utilities. This definition of affordable housing applies to everyone.

AHA enlisted the help of Elementz Hip Hop Youth Center and traveled to some of the most popular areas in Cincinnati to ask questions and to listen to what Cincinnatians are saying about affordable housing.  

“The myth we heard repeatedly was that affordable housing increases neighborhood crime,” says R. Streetz of Elementz.  “The feedback was proof that the true facts of affordable housing are not out there so we hope the PSAs are a step towards opening people’s eyes to the truth.  The largest contributor to crime is not affordable housing but community disinvestment, lack of jobs, and lack of community services.”

The radio and video PSAs are being released ahead of a larger video project entitled, “Who Needs Affordable Housing In Greater Cincinnati?”  All are part of an effort to shine a light on affordable housing and spark discussion to educate and inform.

The Affordable Housing Advocates is a group of housing providers, advocates, and civic groups dedicated to “Opening Doors” and to ensuring good, safe, accessible, affordable housing for all people in the Greater Cincinnati area.

For information: www.ahacincy.org