Public policy briefs

How does Habitat for Humanity use public policy to advocate for affordable housing?
We monitor public policies related to housing, community development and international development. We determine how they can be enhanced or changed in order to provide increased access to affordable housing. Our public policy work helps to improve the lives of low-income people in the United States and around the world.

Why is affordable housing important?
Several studies show some of the potential benefits of homeownership to be:

• Higher educational performance and better behavior of children
• Lower community crime rates
• Lessened welfare dependency among households
• More household participation in civic affairs
• Better household health

What are some examples of public policies that Habitat supports?

• Affordable Housing Trust Fund. A national affordable housing trust fund would be a new source of revenue to assist in the production of new housing and the preservation or rehabilitation of existing affordable housing.
• Property Rights for Women. Women who own land or property can use their assets as collateral for loans. Decades of research show that when women get more resources, they put their money towards making sure their children have better nutrition, education and health care.
• Homeownership Development Tax Credit. Tax credits stimulate the production of homes for low- and moderate-income homebuyers.
• Federal Regulation of Government Sponsored Enterprises. Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and the Federal Home Loan Bank play a critical role in expanding housing opportunity, and with the appropriate balance of regulation and operational flexibility, even more Americans will benefit from their activities and investments.
• Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). This federal appropriation directly contributes to the effectiveness and capacity of local Habitat affiliates across the country.
• Reform of U.S. Domestic Disaster Recovery Policy. We support efforts to improve the U.S. government’s response to disasters in the United States and around the world. In general, we support “community-based” disaster response policies that help people stay as close as possible to their homes, families and communities.
• Predatory Lending. The expansion of financial literacy and homeownership counseling programs teach consumers responsible borrowing practices.

Where can I find more resources for public policies that effect affordable housing?

• HUD User. Research and data that offers an in-depth view of housing in the United States.
• U.S. Government Accountability Office. Supports Congress in meeting its constitutional responsibilities and helps improve the performance and accountability of the federal government for the benefit of the American people.
• Brookings. A non-profit public policy organization that provides recommendations to foster the economic and social welfare, security and opportunity of all Americans.
• Center on Budget and Policy Priorities. An organization working at the federal and state levels on fiscal policy and public programs that affect low- and moderate-income families and individuals.
• Knowledge Plex. Affordable housing and community development resource for professionals.
• Urban Land Institute. Provides leadership in the responsible use of land and in creating and sustaining thriving communities worldwide.
• Policy Link. A national research and action institute advancing economic and social equity by Lifting Up What Works^®.
• Joint Center for Housing Studies at Harvard University. Harvard University's center for information and research on housing in the United States.
• Center for Global Development. A non-profit think tank that works to reduce global poverty and inequality by encouraging policy change in the U.S. and other countries.
• The Aspen Institute. Fosters value-based leadership, encouraging individuals to reflect on the ideals and ideas that define a good society.
• Center for Housing Policy. Broadens the understanding of the nation’s housing challenges and examines the impact of policies and programs developed to address these needs.

How can I get more information?
Email us at HFHIAdvocacy@habitat.org.