Habitat CEO Jonathan Reckford statement on legislation that will reduce home energy costs and support home repair programs
ATLANTA (August 12, 2022) — Habitat for Humanity International CEO Jonathan Reckford issued the following statement:
We applaud Congress for including over $10 billion for energy-related housing measures in the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022. Analysts estimate these measures could save American families hundreds of dollars in annual energy bills. As important as these investments are, Congress needs to go much further to address housing affordability and invest more directly in expanding housing supply for low-income households.
Affordable housing is the bedrock of a strong economic foundation – for individuals, communities, governments and businesses alike. However, we cannot meaningfully bring down the cost of housing without legislative measures that help increase supply, which is at a historical low.
The nation is currently struggling with an estimated shortage of 3.8 million housing units. Faced with wages that have not increased at the same rate as the cost of housing, and the rising cost of other necessities, many are being forced into impossible choices. Addressing the housing supply shortage will reduce overall inflation, which is a top concern across the nation.
We strongly encourage Congress to focus on opportunities to enact bipartisan housing solutions that invest in housing supply and expand access to affordable housing, like the Neighborhood Homes Investment Act, the Restoring Communities Left Behind Act and the Housing Supply and Affordability Act. These solutions would offer tax credits and grants to create or preserve affordable housing and incentivize local land use and zoning reforms that increase affordability.
About Habitat for Humanity
Driven by the vision that everyone needs a decent place to live, Habitat for Humanity began in 1976 as a grassroots effort on a community farm in southern Georgia. The Christian housing organization has since grown to become a leading global nonprofit working in local communities across all 50 states in the U.S. and in more than 70 countries. Families and individuals in need of a hand up partner with Habitat for Humanity to build or improve a place they can call home. Habitat homeowners help build their own homes alongside volunteers and pay an affordable mortgage. Through financial support, volunteering or adding a voice to support affordable housing, everyone can help families achieve the strength, stability, and self-reliance they need to build better lives for themselves. Through shelter, we empower. To learn more, visit habitat.org.