Habitat CEO: Stop AAPI hate

ATLANTA (March 17, 2021) — Habitat for Humanity International CEO Jonathan Reckford issued the following statement:

“I’m horrified by the killings of eight people in the Atlanta area yesterday, which included six members of the Asian community. My prayers are with their families and everyone affected by this appalling act of violence.

“There has been a dangerous rise in hate speech and violence against the Asian American and Pacific Islander community over the last several months. Words have consequences, and anyone stoking racial and anti-immigrant sentiments through their rhetoric must stop. Any violence against members of this community must be fully investigated, and justice must be served.

“Habitat for Humanity stands shoulder-to-shoulder with the AAPI community – including the families we serve and those who work and volunteer with us – against the hate speech and violence they are facing. Habitat was born of a vision of radical inclusivity, and we are committed to building the Beloved Community and creating a world where equity and justice are at the forefront.”

Read Habitat’s anti-racism statement, “Building the Beloved Community,” at www.habitat.org/beloved-community.

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.