Over-the-Rhine Community Housing uses fundraiser for diverse development

Over-the-Rhine Community Housing (OTRCH) will host its third annual Fall Fundraiser this Thursday, October 29 at the Music Hall Ballroom (map) from 5:30pm to 8:30pm.  Entitled "Celebrating our Beloved Community," the fundraiser will feature keynote speaker Kalima Rose, senior director of PolicyLink.

OTRCH sees Rose as a timely guest to speak to the audience about a neighborhood, Over-the-Rhine, that's in the midst of an urban transformation.  Rose's organization advocates for the inclusion of low-income residents as a method to assure healthy community development.

"Income diversity is embraced as an important part of the neighborhood's whole diverse package," said Sarah Allen who is in charge of housing and commercial development for OTRCH.

Rose will discuss national models where economic diversity has been embraced, and lead the discussion of whether Over-the-Rhine can eventually serve as a model for other Cincinnati neighborhoods going through this urban renaissance.

According to Allen, the discussion works well with OTRCH's 30 year old mission - to build and sustain a diverse neighborhood that values and benefits low-income residents. OTRCH focuses on developing and managing resident-centered, affordable housing in an effort to promote an inclusive community.

The fundraiser features food and music provided by local vocal ensemble Muse, and the first annual "Partner in Building our Beloved Community Award" will be given to the Miami University Center for Community Engagement. To order tickets please contact Mary Rivers or Sarah Allen at (513) 381-1171, or visit the event website.

Writer: Randy A. Simes
Photography by Scott Beseler
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