Following passage of tax legislation, Habitat for Humanity calls on Congress to act on affordable housing

ATLANTA (Dec. 20, 2017) — Habitat for Humanity International Vice President of Government Relations and Advocacy Chris Vincent issued the following statement following approval of the tax reform bill:

“For almost a year, Habitat for Humanity has been working to encourage Congress to ensure tax reform would have a positive impact on affordable housing and do no harm to the charitable sector. Unfortunately, Habitat continues to have serious concerns about how the tax bill will impact those in need of services from housing and nonprofit organizations like the more than 1,300 local Habitat organizations across the United States. As the tax bill is implemented, we encourage Congress to be vigilant about unintended consequences, particularly those negatively affecting lower-income households, and move quickly to correct them.

“As Congress now moves to consider spending bills and other policy reforms, Habitat looks forward to working with members of the House and Senate to protect and fund effective federal housing programs and resources in the short term, and to pursue action on long-term, systemic solutions to the affordable housing crisis. With one in four families in the United States spending more than 30 percent of their income on housing, it’s past time for Congress to act.”

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.