As May rent and mortgage payments come due, Habitat for Humanity organizations from all 50 states tell Congress housing stability needed now, more than ever
ATLANTA (May 1, 2020) — Long before COVID-19 arrived in the U.S., more than 18 million households in the U.S. were spending more than half their income on housing, leaving little or no margin for lost income or unexpected health care costs. Now, with more than 30 million Americans newly out of work, and May rent and mortgage payments due, the housing affordability challenges have been magnified.
In a letter signed by more than 600 Habitat for Humanity organizations from all 50 states and Washington, D.C., Habitat is urging Congress to take greater action to support housing stability and the nonprofit organizations that serve low-income families. The organizations are calling for their elected officials to take specific actions in the next stimulus package by providing funding to nonprofit mortgage lenders like Habitat as well as providing mortgage payment assistance, relief for nonprofits and funding for housing programs.
“In a time when people are being asked to shelter in place, wash their hands and quarantine if they feel sick, the value of a safe, decent, place to call home has never been higher,” said Habitat for Humanity International CEO Jonathan Reckford. “Those who were already living in precarious conditions are at great health risk, and even greater financial and economic risk. We need Congress to address these concerns with strong legislative action.”
Read the full letter and list of signatory Habitat organizations.
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 local communities across all 50 states in 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.