Advocacy News from LMM
In Service Together
On Friday, December 10, 2021, LMM’s hosted its first ever In Service Together, a program for locally elected officials, government administrators, and funders. Attendees were provided a better understanding of LMM’s history and mission, insight into the role LMM played in keeping those oppressed, forgotten, and hurting safe during the pandemic, and the programming that is currently available to the public. Following presentations from members of LMM’s Senior Leadership Team, participants engaged in a volunteer activity that supported LMM’s Central Kitchen. We are grateful to everyone who joined us, including mayor-elect Justin Bibb, and look forward to continuing our partnership in the years to come. 
An LMM Holiday Gift Guide
With holidays fast approaching you may be doing some last-minute shopping for your loved ones. The Advocacy Department has compiled a list of books that may be just the right gift! Of course, keeping the advocacy spirit alive, these recommendations include books with purpose, intention, and education; don’t worry, they are far from boring!
Build Back Better
The #BuildBackBetter Act, which passed the U.S. House of Representatives, still needs to pass the U.S. Senate, ideally before Christmas. The legislation includes $25 billion to expand rental assistance to more than 300,000 households; $65 billion to preserve public housing for its 2.5 million residents; and $15 billion for the national Housing Trust Fund to build and preserve over 150,000 affordable, accessible homes for households with the lowest incomes. Here's how you can help this legislation move forward:
  • Participate in a Day of Action by emailing and calling your senators tomorrow, Friday, December 17, to urge them to pass the #BuildBackBetter Act! Find the telephone number for your members of Congress here or send an email. Educate your members of Congress on why investments in rental assistance, public housing, and the Housing Trust Fund are critical to your community.
  • Urge your members of Congress to pass the #BuildBackBetter Act by tagging them on social media! Use NLIHC’s HoUSed #BuildBackBetter Advocacy Toolkit, which includes talking points, sample op-eds, and social media messages.
Tis' the Season to Volunteer!
The Cuyahoga EITC Coalition is part of the IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. Since 2005, they have been helping hardworking families and individuals in Cuyahoga County make use of the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). The EITC is the largest, most effective relief program in the country designed to supplement the income of people who are struggling to make ends meet.

The Cuyahoga EITC Coalition relies greatly on volunteers to help them provide these services. They need tax preparers, greeters, and intake specialists for the 2021-2022 tax season. There is absolutely no experience required. They offer a free one-day training course that will provide you with a certification to complete basic tax returns. Advanced training is also available. Earn a new skill and help families save money this season. To learn more or to sign up to become a volunteer, visit refundohio.org/volunteer