Habitat Voices in Action

Let’s make housing in the U.S. more affordable and accessible for all. Join us through Habitat Voices in Action as we work together for affordable homeownership. 

Owning a home is the key to building stability and wealth. Yet, with skyrocketing home prices, millions of Americans are locked out of the dream of homeownership. 

With hundreds of policy successes, we know how to impact affordable housing at the local, state and federal levels. Habitat uses our expert resources, research and proven practices to call on policymakers and advocate for home affordability. 

But we can’t do it without you. Join us to help ensure everyone has a chance to own a safe, affordable home. Every voice matters – especially yours.

Advocating for affordable homeownership

We advocate to:

• Increase the supply of homes for low- and moderate-income homebuyers.
• Expand access to homeownership for people of all backgrounds.
• Keep homes affordable and livable long term, ensuring homeowner resilience.

Habitat also supports policies that improve a variety of housing issues in the U.S. and around the world, as well as those that empower nonprofits like Habitat to pursue their mission.

Read our national policy platform (PDF) to learn more about our advocacy strategies and priorities.

There is not enough housing supply for low- and moderate-income homebuyers. To expand homeownership opportunities for households of all backgrounds, we advocate for policies that increase affordable homes.

How? We advocate for policymakers to act, including:

• Funding building and preservation of affordable homes.
• Selling public land to affordable home builders.
• Easing zoning restrictions for developments with affordable homes.

Low-income households and households of color face a history of barriers to homeownership. People in rural and low-income areas struggle to find decent, affordable homes. We support policies that ensure everyone, regardless of background, has a fair opportunity to own a home. 

How? We advocate for policymakers to act, including to: 

• Expand down payment assistance programs.
• Keep mortgage underwriting and credit scoring fair.
• Grow access to financial coaching.
• Support mortgage lending programs, especially in rural areas.

Even established homeowners can face costs they can’t afford. They may need a costly, critical repair, such as replacing a leaking roof. They may face unaffordable insurance or property taxes. As their house and insulation become dated, they may experience spiking energy bills. They may need a wheelchair ramp as they age. We support policies that help homeowners stay in their homes and homes stay in a family.

How? We advocate for policymakers act, including to: 

• Invest in programs for critical repairs.
• Fund efforts to update homes for aging homeowners and those with disabilities.
• Lower home property taxes.
• Provide financial assistance for energy-efficient upgrades.
• Support programs that make homes climate resilient. 

Take action!

Advocating for affordable homes requires all of us, and there are many ways to get involved. 

Here’s how you can be a housing advocate:

Whatever the path of action, you make a difference for affordable homeownership across the U.S.