Community Matters

Long before the spotlight, these Cincinnati neighborhoods built their institutions.
From community councils to development corporations and nonprofits, neighborhood leaders created the organizations that continue to drive local progress today. https://buff.ly/TqEIUJu
Wave Pool
Westwood Works
Community Matters
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The Brookings Institution

When Lem and Jianna first moved to Lower Price Hill, they were not sure they would stay. Little by little, it began to feel like home.

Then their apartment caught fire.

As their family worked to rebuild, neighbors checked in, offered what they could, and made sure they knew they had not been forgotten. When Lem and Jianna searched for a new place to live, they were clear about one thing. They wanted to return to the neighborhood.

Through our Community Supported Housing program, Community Matters was able to expand a three-bedroom unit to better fit their family, making it possible for them to stay in the community they love.

Today, Lem is mentoring other gardeners through the LPH Community Gardens, and Jianna works to improve opportunities available to their neighbors through the Lower Price Hill Community Council, Oyler School, and affordable housing advocacy.

Lem and Jianna’s experience shows why Community Matters is investing more deeply in what is already taking root in Lower Price Hill, including community leadership, shared ownership of resources, and spaces where neighbors can gather, lead, and create.

Your donation to our spring campaign helps bring this next chapter to life: www.cmcincy.org/donate.

Community Matters » DONATE At Community Matters, we believe our neighbors have the will and ability to thrive, but they need increased access to do so within their community. We are committed to growing these opportunities because we believe in the strengths, skills, and assets of our community.

Community Matters recently joined a citywide collaborative of organizations working to support neighborhood hubs across Cincinnati. The collaborative is hosted by Cincinnati Children's and is supported by the City Of Cincinnati Government.

When we learned about the initiative, the vision felt like a natural fit because it mirrors what we've already been building in Lower Price Hill. For the past 10 years, we've co-created this model with our neighbors and together built the Opportunity Hub that provides access to food, resources, and connection.

We're excited to bring what we've learned to the table and pick up new ideas from peers doing this work across the city!

Shoutout to our team for receiving the Housing Our Heroes Award at last night’s Cintimha/Cincinnati Metropolitan Housing Authority (CMHA) partner appreciation banquet!

We’re grateful for this recognition because it reflects something at the heart of our work—housing is not just about having a place to live. It is about stability, belonging, and the opportunity for neighbors to remain rooted in the communities they love.

In the days ahead, we’ll be sharing a story from Lower Price Hill that shows what this kind of investment can make possible for families and the community they continue to help shape.

Thank you to CMHA for this recognition and to the neighbors and partners who make this work possible.

Thank you to everyone who joined us last week for The Longest Table!

We loved seeing neighbors gather in the middle of Neave Street to share food and time together. This annual potluck is one of our favorite reminders that community grows when neighbors have opportunities to connect.

A special thank you to the many neighbors who helped make this year’s event possible, our staff, board, and friends for lending extra hands wherever they were needed, and Bridgetown Finer Meats for the delicious burgers.

Our main offices will be closed Friday, May 22nd through Monday, May 25th in observance of the Memorial Day holiday!

The Washing Well laundromat will remain open it’s normal hours.

UPDATE: THE WAITLIST HAS NOW CLOSED. Thank you for applying.

🚨 Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Waitlist Opening 🚨

The HCV Waitlist will be open from May 18–May 21. This is a pre-application to be considered for placement on the waitlist.

📌 Important reminders:
🔹Even if you’ve applied in the past, this is a new waitlist. You must submit a new pre-application if you’re interested.
🔹If selected, you’ll receive an email at the address used in your application with next steps.
🔹If not selected, you will also receive an email notification.
🔹Being selected does NOT mean you will receive a voucher — it means you may be considered if a voucher becomes available in the future.

📖 For full details and FAQs, visit: https://cintimha.com/waiting-list/

Make sure your information is accurate and submitted before the deadline!

Community care shows up in all kinds of ways!

Over the past month, more than 25 neighborhood cats in Lower Price Hill have been spayed or neutered through a partnership between Community Matters and Ohio Alleycat Resource & Spay/Neuter Clinic.

This effort started with neighbors raising a concern and working together to do something about it. We’re grateful for the neighbors and partners helping care for the shared spaces—and animals—that make up our community.