Habitat for Humanity supports the Global Partnerships Act and applauds Rep. Howard Berman for elevating adequate housing as a foreign assistance priority

WASHINGTON (Dec. 12, 2012) – Today, Habitat for Humanity congratulates Rep. Howard Berman (D-Calif.) as he introduces his rewrite of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, the Global Partnerships Act.

The GPA is a comprehensive framework aimed at reforming U.S. foreign assistance and includes a chapter that recognizes the integral role shelter plays in global poverty reduction.

“As the world becomes more urban and slums continue to swell, this bill prioritizes adequate housing at a critical time,” said Jonathan Reckford, CEO of Habitat for Humanity International. “This legislation represents a more modern, transparent and comprehensive approach to foreign assistance, and I am pleased to join the development community in applauding Rep. Berman and this achievement.”

Habitat for Humanity International provided significant input on the bill, which marks the culmination of several years of broad, consultative work between the development community, the administration and Congress.

About Habitat for Humanity International
Habitat for Humanity International is a global nonprofit Christian housing organization that seeks to put God’s love into action by bringing people together to build homes, communities and hope. Since 1976, Habitat has served more than 600,000 families by welcoming people of all races, religions and nationalities to construct, rehabilitate or preserve homes; by advocating for fair and just housing policies; and by providing training and access to resources to help families improve their shelter conditions. For more information, to donate or to volunteer, please visit www.habitat.org, or follow us at www.facebook.com/habitat or at www.twitter.com/habitat_org or join Habitat’s blog community at www.habitat.org/blog.