Woman with a microphone at an advocacy event.

Advocacy in action

From city halls to statehouses, Habitat is working alongside partners and advocates in the United States to drive real change — reforming zoning laws, unlocking funding and shaping policies that make homeownership more attainable. This page brings those wins to life. Dive in, explore the successes and celebrate the growing movement to make housing more affordable for all. 

By the numbers

Habitat for Humanity’s advocacy data comes directly from our U.S. affiliated network, which began reporting local and state policy efforts in 2018. These insights help us track impact and strengthen our collective capacity to advance affordable homeownership. Below you will find Habitat’s cumulative policy and advocacy impact in FY2026.

122 successful policy efforts supported, 130,679 people impacted through policy changes, $369 million in government funds accessed or allocated.

 

122 successful policy efforts supported by local and state Habitat organizations.

 

 

130,679 people impacted through policy changes.

 

 

 

$369 million in government funds for home affordability accessed or allocated.

Habitat Voices in Action

These efforts demonstrate Habitat’s leadership in removing barriers to homeownership by unlocking capital for new development, prioritizing affordability in local housing plans and safeguarding families from housing instability. Habitat is committed to building not just homes, but equity, opportunity and lasting impact.

Construction hat, house on top of coins and hammer icons.

Increasing the supply of homes for low- and moderate-income homebuyers

Habitat for Humanity of Oshkosh, Wisconsin provided advocacy and leadership as the Winnebago County Board of Supervisors approved a new revolving loan fund to finance land purchases and development of affordable housing.  

The concept first emerged in 2024 when Winnebago County convened homebuilders (including Habitat Oshkosh) to gather feedback on how to lower barriers to new home supply, as the county projects a 10,000-unit shortfall of new homes in the next decade.  

Last year, Habitat Oshkosh engaged with county staff on strategies to expand financing and lower regulatory barriers, and helped design the self-replenishing loan fund as an accessible, low-interest financing resource for the construction of new single-family homes. The county commissioner’s approval was also bolstered by support from area businesses and economic development interests. Habitat Oshkosh anticipates using the new fund in the next two years to support additional affordable homeownership projects. 

Expanding financial access to homeownership for all

In Jackson County, Florida, representatives from Chipola Area Habitat for Humanity successfully championed an increase in down payment assistance for first-time homebuyers. Like all Florida counties, decisions on how the county utilizes state funding for affordable housing initiatives are driven by the county’s affordable housing advisory committee. As the committee was updating its five-year local housing plan, Chipola Area Habitat ensured that down payment assistance was prioritized. 

Keeping homes affordable and livable long term, ensuring homeowner resilience

Habitat for Humanity California, along with affiliates across the state , supported AB 238 in the California Legislature. The bill provides up to 12 months of mortgage forbearance and protects qualified homeowners whose properties were destroyed or severely damaged in the January 2025 wildfires from late fees, penalties, added interest, foreclosure and negative credit impacts. The two largest Los Angeles County fires caused more than $30 billion in real estate losses, destroyed over 18,000 homes and structures, and forced evacuations of more than 200,000 people.