FY 2017 budget sustains important funding for Habitat for Humanity

WASHINGTON (May 2, 2017) – On Monday, Congress reached an agreement on the fiscal year 2017 budget and the outcome for Habitat for Humanity was positive.

Habitat appreciates the final funding levels for the federal programs that support our ability to provide homeownership opportunities to low-income families, including the Self-help Homeownership Opportunity Program, or SHOP, Section 4 capacity building program, HOME Investment Partnership Program and Community Development Block Grant Program. Habitat also appreciates the funding designated for the Corporation for National and Community Service, the agency that oversees the AmeriCorps program. Each of these programs enable Habitat’s more than 1,300 affiliates to reach more families by building and repairing thousands of homes in the U.S. every year. 

“For over 20 years, Habitat for Humanity and the U.S. government have worked together to provide low-cost, high-quality homes to individuals and families nationwide,” said Jonathan Reckford, CEO of Habitat for Humanity International. “Habitat is grateful for Congress’ continued support of programs that are proven and effective tools for building and improving homes and communities. We look forward to continuing to work closely with our friends and supporters on the Hill to protect and grow these programs in fiscal year 2018 and beyond.”                    

Affordable housing is foundational to reducing poverty and achieving ongoing economic growth, and the outcome of the fiscal year 2017 budget reflects that by supporting effective programs with a strong track record of success in meeting the nation’s affordable housing needs. By providing level funding for these vital programs for FY 2017, Congress will enable Habitat and other nonprofit housing providers to maintain  their capacity to meet the critical affordable housing needs resulting from local housing shortages across the country.

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 more than 1,300 communities throughout 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.