Akron’s Freedom BLOC is working to place three charter amendments on the November ballot, two of which are related to housing and one to public safety. The group is collecting petition signatures through August 5 to make housing more accessible and affordable for all residents.

Housing as a Human Right

The housing initiative, named after and centered on the idea that “Housing is a Human Right,” aims to make housing accessible and provide stable housing for every human being. Freedom BLOC Executive Director Ray Greene stated, “Everybody deserves a house.” The proposed changes would lower the upfront cost of renting and reduce barriers for formerly incarcerated people.

Freedom BLOC has worked on housing solutions for years and has led efforts to mobilize and educate tenant leaders. The group has created an activity book and slide deck explaining the housing crisis to present Akron residents.

Residents like Monique Sales, a tenant leader who has lived at Wilbeth Arlington Homes in East Akron since 2012, are supporting the initiative. Sales has dealt with unstable living conditions and believes that the proposed changes would make a positive impact.

Original reporting: Signal Akron — read the source article.