Habitat’s advocacy efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic

The Cost of Home campaign works to address the U.S.’s staggering housing affordability and housing stability issues. The abrupt arrival of the novel coronavirus and its effects on the country’s health and economy have only compounded the need for this vital housing advocacy work.

Habitat for Humanity quickly expanded our existing advocacy efforts to help the millions of individuals in the U.S. now struggling with housing insecurity as a result of the economic impacts of COVID-19.

Use this tracker to stay up to date on innovative ways that Habitat’s network is advocating across the nation. Check back often for updates and to learn how Habitat is leading housing advocacy across the U.S.

You can also read more about some of our past Cost of Home campaign advocacy achievements.

Virginia icon.
Virginia

Obtained record investments in housing

Affiliates across the state of Virginia successfully lobbied the Virginia Legislature to increase funding to the state’s housing trust fund as well as its COVID rental and mortgage relief program.

South Dakota icon.
South Dakota

Emergency funding supplies relief

Black Hills Area Habitat for Humanity, in partnership with local housing organizations, successfully advocated for the use of CARES Act funding to help families pay housing expenses during the pandemic.

California
California

Residents unite to improve living conditions, delay rent hikes

As a continuation of their neighborhood revitalization initiative in Fullerton’s Woodcrest neighborhood, Habitat for Humanity of Orange County helped residents advocate for improved living conditions and stabilized rent during the economic downturn.

Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania

Community-wide collaboration propels statewide policy wins

Habitat for Humanity of Montgomery and Delaware Counties harnessed the power of community to help secure rental and mortgage assistance funding and eviction and foreclosure protections for tens of thousands of Pennsylvania families impacted by the pandemic.

Colorado
Colorado

Joined partners to garner support, obtain funding for growing housing need

Habitat for Humanity of Metro Denver worked in coalition with other member organizations of the Neighborhood Development Collaborative to raise awareness of COVID-19’s impact on residents and the city’s existing housing crisis and advocate for support. The group’s collective effort helped procure funding for rental relief and mortgage assistance, helping residents safely remain in their shelter during the pandemic.

Indiana
Indiana

Revived mortgage crisis fund for homeowners, established new funding for renters

Habitat Indiana worked with the Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority to reinvest in an existing mortgage assistance fund for Indianans facing COVID-related financial hardship. The success of that effort paved the way for the creation of a similar statewide assistance program for renters.

Washington state
Washington

Helped stabilize homeowners through financial assistance and counseling

Tacoma/Pierce County Habitat for Humanity secured CARES Act funding from their local city and county governments to address the rising insecurity among homeowners in their community as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Ohio
Ohio

Procured funding to help renters remain stably housed during the pandemic

Habitat for Humanity MidOhio, the Affordable Housing Alliance of Central Ohio and the city of Columbus partnered to use supplemental Community Development Block Grants from the CARES Act to help low-income families make rent and stay in their homes.

Iowa
Iowa

Extended protection for families at risk of eviction or foreclosure

Habitat Iowa successfully advocated for the funding of both the State Housing Trust Fund as well as eviction and foreclosure prevention measures to ensure that Iowans continue to not only have access to shelter but can sustain it.

Oregon
Oregon

Secured emergency funding for homeowners

Habitat Oregon successfully led efforts to extend state and federal emergency relief for thousands of homeowners in the state affected by the coronavirus.

Massachusetts icon.
Massachusetts 

Parents’ advocacy results in learning resources for students

Central Berkshire Habitat for Humanity’s Neighborhood Revitalization initiative has helped train and empower community members to advocate for the tools and attention students need to excel during COVID-19.

Minnesota
Minnesota

Activating advocates virtually for housing funds

Habitat for Humanity Twin Cities quickly made their annual lobbying day happen online, and ended up with a record number of participants working to secure emergency housing funding.

Hard-fought housing assistance program stabilizes hardest-hit households 

Through persistent advocacy, Habitat for Humanity of Minnesota worked in coalition with state housing organizations to successfully secure $100 million for a statewide program to maintain housing stability for both renters and homeowners who have been economically impacted by the coronavirus pandemic.

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