Northeast Ohio Coalition for the Homeless (NEOCH) is a left-of-center homeless advocacy organization based in Cleveland, Ohio. 1
The group claims “structural racism and the lack of affordable housing” are the root causes of homelessness and claims that its work is grounded on left-of-center principles of “anti-racism, radical love, education, and collective grassroots organizing on issues of safe and affordable housing, along with tenants’ rights advocacy” as well as “radical inclusivity.” It lists “pro-LGBTQ” as among its values. 2
Background
Northeast Ohio Coalition for the Homeless was founded in 1988. 1
The group claims “structural racism and the lack of affordable housing” are the root causes of homelessness and says that its work is grounded on “anti-racism, radical love, education, and collective grassroots organizing on issues of safe and affordable housing, along with tenants’ rights advocacy” as well as “radical inclusivity.” It lists “pro-LGBTQ” among its values. 2
Activities
In July 2024, NEOCH, OPAWL – Building AAPI Feminist Leadership, a German citizen living in Cleveland, and a Canadian citizen living in Silver Lake brought a federal legal challenge against the state of Ohio regarding a campaign finance law that prevents foreign nationals and holders of “green cards” from contributing financially to state ballot-measure campaigns. Represented by law firms Elias Law Group and Cooper Elliott, the plaintiffs argue that the new law violates the First Amendment. 3
The law, HB1, was signed by Governor Mike DeWine (R) on June 2, 2024, and was set to take effect on September 1, 2024. It was included with another bill to ensure President Joe Biden would be on the ballot that November given the timing of the Democratic National Convention. According to an article from legal news site New York School Talk, HB1 came as a result of Swiss billionaire Hansjorg Wyss’s ties to organizations that put money behind several Ohio ballot measures in 2023, including some related to abortion and legalizing marijuana. 3
Financials
In 2022, Northeast Ohio Coalition for the Homeless reported income of $1,406,256, expenses of $1,613,000, and net assets of $838,131. 4
Leadership
As of 2024, Anita Cook was the president of the board of trustees for Northeast Ohio Coalition for the Homeless. 5 Homeless volunteer Latanya “Toni” Burton-Mickey was leading the organization’s office and administration, and activist Josiah Quarles was heading its organizing and advocacy division. 6
References
- “Home.” Northeast Ohio Coalition for the Homeless. Accessed July 5, 2024. https://www.neoch.org/.
- “Our Mission.” Northeast Ohio Coalition for the Homeless. Accessed July 5, 2024. https://www.neoch.org/our-mission.
- Hernandez, Irena. “Lawsuit Challenges Ohio Law Banning Foreign Nationals from Donating to Ballot Campaigns.” New York School Talk, July 1, 2024. Accessed July 5, 2024. https://newyorkschooltalk.org/lawsuit-challenges-ohio-law-banning-foreign-nationals-from-donating-to-ballot-campaigns/.
- Return of Organization Exempt from Income Tax (Form 990). Northeast Ohio Coalition for the Homeless. 2022. Part I, lines 12, 18, 22.
- “Board of Trustees.” Northeast Ohio Coalition for the Homeless. Accessed July 5, 2024. https://www.neoch.org/our-board.
- “Our Team.” Northeast Ohio Coalition for the Homeless. Accessed July 5, 2024. https://www.neoch.org/our-team.