Habitat for Humanity affiliates advocate on Capitol Hill for programs that impact affordable housing

WASHINGTON (Feb. 4, 2013) – More than 250 Habitat for Humanity leaders and supporters, representing nearly 40 states, gathered in Washington, D.C., today to urge lawmakers to support policies that help Habitat address the issue of substandard and poverty housing.

During Habitat on the Hill, Habitat’s annual legislative conference, attendees will meet with their representatives to champion the Self-Help and Assisted Homeownership Opportunity Program (SHOP) and AmeriCorps—programs that help thousands of low-income families gain access to affordable and safe homes every year. They will also ask that shelter be a priority of U.S. global assistance.

“By connecting with our elected leaders through Habitat on the Hill, we share the message that low-income housing plays a key role in our communities and that supportive federal policies are essential for Habitat to assist families worldwide,” said Liz Blake, senior vice president of advocacy, government affairs and general counsel at Habitat for Humanity International. “I am grateful to everyone who traveled to Washington to be a part of this event and be the voice of Habitat on policy issues that are critical to the communities we serve.”

Speakers at the conference include: Sen. Johnny Isakson (R–Ga.); Mara Liasson, national political correspondent for National Public Radio; Diane Casey-Landry, founder and managing director of DCL Banking Advisors LLC and a strategic advisor to Habitat for Humanity; and Jonathan Reckford, CEO of Habitat for Humanity International.

The event culminates with the Feb. 6 release of Habitat for Humanity’s 2013 Shelter Report, titled “Keeping faith: Affordable housing and strong communities.” This year’s report focuses on how housing is a cornerstone of community development and urges Americans, policymakers and all housing stakeholders to maintain their faith and confidence that low-income homeownership is a strong building block for resilient, healthy communities, despite the economic turmoil and housing crisis of the past few years.

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 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.