Dear Editor:

When it comes to how people who live in public housing feel about any change to housing, you should ask a resident. A resident can tell you how it feels to hear what others in your community (locally, nationally) feel and think, whether they receive a housing subsidy or not. My experience, living in public housing can be overwhelming, frustrating, hurtful, with double standards, discriminatory and tiresome. In my community I feel supported, part of a family, and I know who is around my children, proud that elders are in my path to teach me, and most importantly, there is unity in my community.

Some people determine that if a crime is committed in a community where public housing exists, then that crime was committed by the people who live in public housing. That’s not true. Read your crime stats, dig a little. Find out what is going on, or ask me.

Some people in society say that people who live in affordable housing programs (public, senior, veterans, and let’s not forget people with disabilities) are lazy, and don’t want to work. That’s not true either. Check your facts, or simply ask me.

I am a person who lives in public housing, but that does not define me. I am a good parent, go to all school functions, and even volunteer on my resident council. I am just courses away from my degree. Ask, get the facts, or ask me.

Why are those that don’t care trying to determine where public housing can be developed, keeping an opportunity from a person who might need a help, from getting help? Who are these people? For those of us that receive a form of subsized housing or live in public housing, we are in fear of the amending of section 3735.27 Ohio Revised Code (HB 408), which governs who is appointed to Cincinnati Metropolitan Housing Authority (CMHA) Board of Commissioners. But should some people have the right to take a right from other people -- namely, their housing?

If the amending happens, it will change affordable housing. Many people who live in affordable housing have read articles in our local newspapers, online and even held conversations with people on how some in society feel. For instance, there was an article titled “Not in My Neighborhood” in the local newspaper. It was clear in its intentions and constant disrespect for the families who live in public housing.

HB 408 wants more county representation. Fact: those articles are written by people in the county. I talk to people who live in public housing, and I see their faces, hear and share their fears. We are in fear of losing our homes. Ninety percent of the people who live in public housing, section 8, senior, veterans, and people with disabilities, live in the city.

If more representation is added, it should be people who live in affordable housing, not the county. There are currently 5,000 families who live in public housing. Do those people know all five thousand of us? We have no guarantee that residents will have any protection in the proposed changes in HB 408, from those who want to see affordable housing come to an end? If HB 408 passes in Ohio, it will take away one safeguard public housing residents have -- the guaranteed position of a resident on the Board.

Please tell your state representatives and senators to vote no on Ohio State House Bill 408. Contina Davis 513-475-7185