Residential energy efficiency a main focus at Habitat for Humanity advocacy conference
WASHINGTON (Feb. 10, 2015) – As more than 200 advocates for decent and affordable housing arrive in Washington, D.C., for the ninth annual Habitat on the Hill legislative conference, Habitat for Humanity today released the findings of its 2015 Shelter Report, which focuses on residential energy efficiency and the increasingly disproportionate burden energy costs have on low-income families.
Entitled “Less is More: Transforming Low-Income Communities through Energy Efficiency,” the report lays out a number of practical recommendations for policymakers to address this growing concern and how the U.S. can be a more prosperous nation through prudent energy policies.
“On average, low-income Americans spend from 17 to 50 percent of their incomes on household energy,” said Jonathan Reckford, CEO of Habitat for Humanity International. “And with world energy consumption expected to significantly increase over the next 25 years, we call on our elected leaders to take bold action to avert a potential consumer energy crisis.”
Habitat leaders from around the U.S. will share the report with members of Congress and decision-makers on Capitol Hill on Wednesday, while urging them to support programs and policies that help boost the housing market and create a strong economy for all.
In addition to supporting residential energy efficiency, advocates will address Habitat’s additional policy priorities, such as such as investing in resilient communities through programs like the Self-help Homeownership Opportunity Program and the Corporation for National and Community Service, whose AmeriCorps and VISTA programs provide an estimated 1.6 million volunteer hours to Habitat affiliates every year.
“Habitat on the Hill offers our many leaders, supporters and friends the opportunity to demonstrate the critical role affordable housing plays in the progress of our nation and the world around us,” said Reckford. “We thank everyone who took the time to travel to Washington to help ensure a future where everyone has access to a decent, affordable home.”
View Habitat’s 2015 Shelter Report
To learn more about Habitat on the Hill or for more information on Habitat for Humanity’s advocacy program, please visit www.habitat.org/gov.
About Habitat for Humanity International
Habitat for Humanity International’s vision is a world where everyone has a decent place to live. Anchored by the conviction that housing provides a path out of poverty, since 1976 Habitat has helped more than 5 million people through home construction, rehabilitation and repairs and by increasing access to improved shelter through products and services. Habitat also advocates to improve access to decent and affordable shelter and offers a variety of housing support services that enable families with limited means to make needed improvements on their homes as their time and resources allow. As a nonprofit Christian housing organization, Habitat works in more than 70 countries and welcomes people of all races, religions and nationalities to partner in its mission. To learn more, donate or volunteer, visit habitat.org.