Habitat CEO: Executive action on evictions necessary, but more needed
ATLANTA (Sept. 2, 2020) — Habitat for Humanity International CEO Jonathan Reckford issued the following comment on a White House and CDC order aimed at temporarily halting evictions through the end of 2020:
“As Habitat has long maintained, COVID-19 is not just a public health crisis—it is a housing crisis. Tens of millions of families are out of work but rent and mortgage payments are still stubbornly due. Through this action, the White House and CDC are acknowledging the critical tie between our housing and our health, and they are extending a lifeline to millions of families on the brink of losing their homes at the worst possible time.
“But Americans need more.
“This action provides a temporary reprieve, when what is truly needed is long-term stability. Through our Cost of Home campaign, Habitat for Humanity is calling on Congress to enact legislation that provides rental and mortgage payment assistance for low-income families affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and economic fallout. This will help stabilize the housing market, help families stay in their homes over the long term, and avert a vicious circle of deeper debts and trade-offs that will only compound our housing challenges when the ban expires in December.”
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.