In early February, more than 250 Habitat for Humanity leaders and supporters, representing nearly 40 states, gathered in Washington, D.C., to urge lawmakers to support policies that help Habitat address the issue of substandard and poverty housing.
During Habitat on the Hill, Habitat’s annual legislative conference, attendees met with their representatives to champion the Self-Help and Assisted Homeownership Opportunity Program and AmeriCorps — programs that help thousands of low-income families gain access to affordable and safe homes every year.
“By connecting with our elected leaders through Habitat on the Hill, we share the message that low-income housing plays a key role in our communities and that supportive federal policies are essential for Habitat to assist families worldwide,” says Liz Blake, Habitat for Humanity International’s senior vice president of advocacy, government affairs and general counsel.
The event culminated with the release of Habitat’s 2013 Shelter Report, “Keeping faith: Affordable housing and strong communities.” The report focuses on housing as a cornerstone of community development and urges Americans, policymakers and all housing stakeholders to maintain their faith and confidence that low-income homeownership is a strong building block for resilient, healthy communities.
Learn more about Habitat on the Hill and Habitat’s advocacy program at habitat.org/gov.
