A Cincinnati Regional Movement
Transforming the Cincinnati Region
One Neighbor at a Time
A regional storytelling initiative helping Greater Cincinnati understand the vital role immigrants and refugees play in strengthening our economy, neighborhoods, schools, and communities.
150K+
Immigrants & Refugees in our region
$7B
Household Income
$5B
Spending Power
$2B
Tax Contributions
10%
Businesses Led by Immigrants
WHAT IS NEIGHBOR TO NEIGHBOR?
Helping Our Region Move From Strangers to Neighbors
Neighbor to Neighbor is a regional awareness campaign designed to help people better understand the role immigrants and refugees play in strengthening our economy, neighborhoods, schools, and communities.
Through storytelling, community conversations, and trusted local voices, the campaign creates opportunities for residents to connect with one another, learn from lived experiences, and build stronger relationships across cultures and backgrounds.
Why Now?
Our Region is Ready to Grow
Across Greater Cincinnati, the needs are clear and immigrants and refugees are already helping meet them.
Employers Need Workers
Businesses across the region are working to fill critical workforce gaps and keep our economy moving.
Communities Need Investment
Neighborhoods thrive when new residents open businesses, buy homes, and put down roots.
Schools Need Students
Growing, vibrant schools depend on families choosing to build their futures here.
Neighborhoods Need Growth
Stable, connected communities are built through steady growth and lasting relationships.
Immigrants and refugees are helping meet many of these needs by opening businesses, filling workforce gaps, purchasing homes, and contributing to the local economy. Yet many residents have limited opportunities to hear these stories firsthand.
The Movement
Immigrants and Refugees AreVital to Our Region's Growth
Cincinnati’s story has always been written by newcomers. Today, immigrants and refugees are opening businesses, filling critical jobs, raising families, and investing in our communities—making the entire region stronger, more dynamic, and more resilient.
- âś“Immigrants start businesses at nearly twice the rate of native-born citizens
- âś“Refugee communities reinvest in local neighborhoods and small businesses
- âś“Diverse workforces drive innovation and competitive economic advantage
- âś“Welcoming regions attract and retain top global talent
Who We Serve
For Every Member of Our Community
Neighbor to Neighbor is for everyone—from newcomers finding their footing to longtime residents ready to build something together.
New Americans Building New Lives
We champion the contributions of immigrants and refugees, creating pathways to economic opportunity, community belonging, and civic participation across the Cincinnati region.
Companies Ready to Grow Inclusively
We connect businesses with diverse talent pipelines, cultural intelligence training, and community partnerships that strengthen their teams and expand their market reach.
Ohio & Kentucky Community Members
We engage longtime residents, nonprofits, and civic organizations to champion policies, programs, and partnerships that create a more welcoming and prosperous region for all.
How the campaign Works
Four Ways We Build Understanding
We create real opportunities for residents to connect, listen, and learn from one another across the region.
"Diversity is not just our strength - it is our competitive advantage. The Cincinnati Region's future belongs to all of us who call it home."
~ Neighbor to Neighbor Campaign
Take Action
How You Can Help Build the Region
Whether you are a business, a community leader, an individual, or an organization – there is a place for you in this movement.
partners & Supporters
Wall of Bridgebuilders - Hero Wall
Organizations and allies standing with us to accelerate transformation:
150K+
Immigrants & refugees in the Greater Cincinnati region
$5B
Economic output generated annually by immigrant entrepreneurs
43+
Languages spoken across Greater Cincinnati communities
10%
Cincinnati businesses founded by immigrant entrepreneurs
Stories of impact
Lives Changed Across the Region
The movement is powered by everyday stories of neighbors building something beautiful together.
Entrepreneurship
From Refugee to Restaurant Owner
How one family’s journey from displacement to downtown Cincinnati became an anchor of community, culture, and economic vitality.
Workforce
Closing the Skills Gap, One Hire at a Time
Regional employers are finding their most skilled workers through our talent network and inclusive hiring programs.
Community
Neighbors Who Became Friends
Two families, separated by language but united by neighborhood, changed both their lives through simple connection.
Civic
New Voices Shaping Our Future
First-generation Americans are now at the policy table—and the entire region is better for it.
Measuring Success
30,000+
Residents we aim to engage across the Greater Cincinnati region.
Through community events, storytelling initiatives, digital engagement, and public conversations. We are bringing neighbors together, one story at a time.
Questions & Answers
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about joining and supporting the movement.
What is Neighbor to Neighbor?
Neighbor to Neighbor is a community awareness campaign that uses storytelling, conversations, and education to help Greater Cincinnati residents better understand the experiences and contributions of immigrants and refugees in our region.
Who is leading this effort?
The initiative is being developed in partnership with Cincinnati Compass, the Immigration and Refugee Law Center, and community partners across the Greater Cincinnati region.
Is this an advocacy or political campaign?
No. Neighbor to Neighbor is an educational and community engagement initiative focused on increasing understanding, sharing local stories, and creating opportunities for meaningful community dialogue.
Why focus on immigrants and refugees?
Immigrants and refugees contribute to the region’s workforce, economy, neighborhoods, schools, and small business community. The campaign helps residents learn more about these contributions through local stories and trusted data.
How can people participate?
Residents can participate by attending community conversations, sharing stories, engaging with campaign content online, volunteering as community ambassadors, or partnering to host local events.
What does success look like?
Success means more residents have opportunities to connect across cultures, learn from one another, and gain a better understanding of the people and experiences that help make Greater Cincinnati a stronger, more welcoming region.
What is a Bridge Builder?
A bridge builder is someone who chooses connection over division. Someone who welcomes newcomers and engages with empathy.
For Neighbor to Neighbor, being a bridge builder means recognizing that immigrants make the Cincinnati Region stronger, and that small acts of kindness and connection can bring neighbors together.
What areas does the movement serve?
We serve the Greater Cincinnati region, including communities across Ohio and Northern Kentucky.