Anna Louise Inn supporters rally in front of Western & Southern building

CINCINNATI - Hundreds of people attended a rally in support of the Anna Louis Inn in front of the Western & Southern headquarters downtown.

The rally was held at 400 Broadway Avenue from noon to 1 p.m. Friday afternoon on International Women's Day.

Supporters of the Anna Louise Inn protested for the Lytle Park building to stay in operation and not be turned into a hotel.

Anna Louise Inn provides safe and affordable housing for women so they can live independently and within their means.

"Here on International Women's Day, we want to talk about the services that are provided, how important they are, and why here in the city of Cincinnati we need to be a city of compassion that recognize that these folks are part of our community and we need to lend a hand to make them positive, productive citizens," said Denise Driehaus, State Congressional Representative.

The event was organized by several womens organizations, including League of Women Voters, Women's City Club, Nuns On The Bus, Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati, Women's Political Caucus, Peaslee Neighborhood Center, MUSE, Cincinnati's Women's Choir and the Greater Cincinnati Homeless Coalition.

Several guest speakers were also in attendance that included Marian A. Spencer, Denise Driehaus, Pam Franklin, Sister Mary Graff, Mary Pierce Brosmer, Sister Monica McGloin, and Kristen Barker.

Event organizers say at least 200 people attended the rally.