The Cincinnati City Council's Budget & Finance Committee held a public hearing on June 3, 2025, where community advocates presented compelling cases for funding local support services. The meeting highlighted the critical role of organizations like the Center for Addiction Treatment and the Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Cincinnati in addressing homelessness, substance abuse, and youth development.

Two former clients of the Center for Addiction Treatment, known as the Cat House, shared their personal journeys of recovery and transformation. They emphasized the life-saving services provided by the center, which include assistance with substance abuse, housing, and health care. One speaker, who had experienced 25 years of homelessness, credited the Cat House with helping him regain stability and essential life skills. He urged the committee to reconsider funding for the center, stating, "We will highly appreciate it on behalf of me and a lot of others."

Bill Bresser, CEO of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Cincinnati, also addressed the committee, advocating for leveraged support for his organization. He reported that the clubs serve over 1,500 students annually in Cincinnati and provide free programs that enhance academic performance and social skills. Bresser highlighted the urgent need for public funding to complement their private support, especially in light of rising challenges such as mental health crises and gun violence among youth. He invited committee members to tour the facilities to witness the impact of their programs firsthand.

The testimonies from these advocates underscored the importance of community support services in Cincinnati, as they seek to address pressing social issues and improve the lives of residents. The committee's decisions on funding will be crucial in determining the future of these vital programs.