Habitat for Humanity affiliates on Capitol Hill to advocate for programs that impact affordable housing
WASHINGTON (Feb. 8, 2012) – Hundreds of Habitat for Humanity leaders, supporters and advocates, representing nearly 40 states, are in Washington, D.C., to advocate in support of the federal policies that enable Habitat to meet substantial housing needs.
“This level of engagement in Washington will create a better understanding of and stronger support for Habitat’s work and the critical federal programs that have assisted Habitat affiliates in serving families across the country,” said Liz Blake, senior vice president, Government Affairs at Habitat for Humanity International. “This is our opportunity tackle some of the policy and legislative issues that will be key to serving more families in 2012.”
During Habitat‘s sixth annual advocacy and legislative conference, entitled “Habitat on the Hill: Build Louder. Serve Louder,” participants will emphasize how crucial AmeriCorps and VISTA members are to Habitat and will urge legislators to protect the Corporation for National and Community Service that administers the programs. Each year, more than 100,000 volunteers are recruited, managed and trained by AmeriCorps members serving with Habitat for Humanity. VISTA members helped to develop resources and programs that generated more than 5 million for local house building efforts.
Among the many topics to be discussed, participants will share with congressional representatives Habitat’s national initiative that offers volunteer, employment and housing opportunities to veterans and military families. They will also urge lawmakers to support microfinance programs through U.S. foreign assistance and encourage the expansion of financial services to include shelter.
Speakers at the three-day conference will include: Sen. Rob Portman, R-Ohio.; Col. David Sutherland, special assistant to the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff; Elizabeth Littlefield, president and CEO of the Overseas Private Investment Corporation; and Jonathan Reckford, CEO of Habitat for Humanity International.
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 500,000 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.