Advocacy For Impact: Habitat on the Hill 2023!
Habitat Chesapeake joins affiliates from across the country on Capitol Hill for Habitat on the Hill
Did you know that more than 17 million U.S. households spend half or more of their income on housing?
Habitat for Humanity of the Chesapeake joined hundreds of advocates from affiliates across the country to meet directly with legislative offices about housing policies that can make the #CostOfHome more affordable for many.
A shortage in affordable homes in the U.S. affects homeowners and renters, especially Black and Latinx households, and lower income households. Housing stability has been linked to improved health and educational outcomes and bolsters local economies through increased tax revenue and property values.
This shortage is exacerbated by inadequate infrastructure and economic opportunities, like jobs, schools, and public transportation.
The solution? Increasing the supply of affordable homes through a variety of methods, including public-private partnerships, tax credit programs, community development grant funding, inclusionary zoning reforms, down payment assistance programs, fair lending practices, and so many others. Above all, giving voice to underrepresented communities and advocating for policies that support affordable housing programs, like Habitat for Humanity, is critical to addressing this shortage.
Habitat for Humanity of the Chesapeake met with the offices of Rep. John Sarbanes, Rep. Kweisi Mfume, Rep. Dutch Ruppersberger, Senator Chris Van Hollen and Senator Ben Cardin. At these meetings, staff advocated for the following legislative priorities:
- NHIA – Neighborhood Homes Investment Act
- SHOP
- HOME
- USDA Section 502 Direct Loans
- Community Development Block Grants
- Infrastructure support
Click here to learn more about Habitat Chesapeake’s advocacy platform for the 2024 fiscal year.
“It was so great to be back on the Hill, in person, for the first time in 3 years. Habitat on the Hill is such an important opportunity for us to bring change and advocate for affordable housing as it is needed now more than ever. Advocates gathered from over 40 states to have constructive conversations about what lawmakers can do to address housing challenges.”
— Jonathan Reckford, CEO, Habitat for Humanity
Special thanks to the Maryland affiliates who joined us on the Hill! Thank you to Habitat on the Hill sponsors Wells Fargo and Home Depot as well.
Habitat Chesapeake relies on YOU to tell our lawmakers in Congress how important affordable homeownership is to our communities. Urge your Congressmembers to pass legislation that supports our programs — click the link below!
Above: Habitat Chesapeake staff meet on Capitol Hill
Above: Habitat affiliates, homebuyers, and advocates came together on Capitol Hill in solidarity for more affordable housing solutions.
Above: Habitat Chesapeake and other Maryland affiliates meet with Senator Ben Cardin’s office.
About Habitat for Humanity of the Chesapeake
Habitat for Humanity of the Chesapeake (www.habitatchesapeake.org) brings people together to build homes, communities, and hope. Since 1982, Habitat for Humanity of the Chesapeake has built more than 780 homes in 19 communities, providing a brighter future for 2,700 children and family members. Homeownership is proven to transform lives – improving health, increasing children’s chances of academic success and offering an opportunity to build wealth across generations. Likewise, homeownership enhances neighborhoods by bringing tangible investment, engaged, long-term residents, rising property values and a sense of community.
