Written by Wonda Winkler, President & CEO at Brighton Center and Moira Weir, President & CEO of United Way of Greater Cincinnati
Housing is more than a necessity – it’s a foundation for opportunity for those living in Northern Kentucky.
For the past year, United Way of Greater Cincinnati, Brighton Center and Brighton Properties, and many community leaders and partners, including the Northern Kentucky Area Development District, have discussed income-aligned housing in our region and the importance of ensuring that there are homes for all of us.
The 2023 Northern Kentucky Housing Data Study was an eye-opening resource for community organizations like ours. It showed clear opportunities to align the needs and resources of Northern Kentucky’s diverse and growing workforce and shape our region’s future.
Since the study’s release, a coalition of leaders from across Northern Kentucky, including United Way of Greater Cincinnati and Brighton Center, has gathered input from employers, residents and key stakeholders to explore ways to enhance housing diversity and availability at all price points.
The recently released “Home for All: Northern Kentucky Housing Strategies” report underscores the critical need for income-aligned housing options. This menu of strategies offers a roadmap for meaningful conversations and actionable solutions to ensure everyone in our region has access to a safe, stable and income-aligned place to call home. The Northern Kentucky area is made up of several jurisdictions, so having different options for cities and counties to choose from is important.
Both of our organizations believe that by preserving existing housing, generating additional income-aligned units, promoting sustainable homeownership, and fostering stability, Northern Kentucky can create a future where families and communities thrive.
Brighton Properties and Brighton Center are dedicated to providing and maintaining quality services that strengthen self-sufficiency for families. We believe there are solutions in “Home for All” that can help us promote these efforts such as establishing a regional housing trust fund. A regional housing trust fund could help small developers, including non-profit developers like Brighton Properties, continue to develop income-aligned units that address the study’s findings for one- and two-bedroom units and match the income levels of our workforce, particularly for those making $15 to $25 an hour.
At United Way, we work with a network of partners to provide long-term stability through direct support, innovative pilot programs, and advocacy for policies that foster sustainable housing solutions. We are especially interested in approaches in “Home for All” that promote housing preservation, including first-time homeownership support and utility assistance expansion.
Last year, United Way’s 211 helpline received more than 55,000 requests for help, most related to housing and utility costs. Enhanced state support for additional weatherization/utility assistance funds would mean more tools in our toolbelt to empower neighbors who deserve housing security.
We know there isn’t a single sector that can solve these issues alone. In this region, we have a wealth of perspectives, experiences and expertise. This is our greatest asset. It will take all of us coming together to advance our regional housing goals. By addressing housing needs in Northern Kentucky, we can create a future where our workforce’s needs are met and every individual and family has the stability to succeed.
We urge you to read “Home for All” at HousingNKY.org and join the conversation as we continue to advocate for solutions that make Northern Kentucky a great place to live, work, play, learn and give back.
Wonda Winkler is President & CEO at Brighton Center and Brighton Properties. Moira Weir is President & CEO of United Way of Greater Cincinnati
