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 FY2025 so far.
80 successful policy efforts supported by local and state Habitat organizations.
1,342,980 people gained improved access to affordable homes.
$5.53 billion unlocked in government funds for home affordability.
Habitat Voices in Action
From unlocking thousands of acres for development in Virginia, to restoring down payment assistance in Wisconsin, and securing emergency housing funds in North Carolina, Habitat’s network and their communities are driving policy change that transforms lives. These efforts reflect Habitat’s commitment to building not just homes—but equity, opportunity and lasting impact.
Increasing the supply of homes for low- and moderate-income homebuyers
In Virginia, Habitat for Humanity Virginia and affiliates throughout the state helped pass House Bill 2153, empowering local governments to ease zoning restrictions and fast-track affordable housing on land owned by churches and nonprofits. With land scarce, this landmark policy unlocks thousands of acres for development, expanding homeownership opportunities for modest-income families and demonstrates the power of advocacy in action.
Expanding financial access to homeownership for all
In Wisconsin, Milwaukee Habitat for Humanity joined forces with Take Root Milwaukee to restore US$1 million in down payment assistance funding. Their advocacy not only boosted the city’s funding for the program but also elevated affordable homeownership as a priority — making it more attainable for families historically excluded from home buying.
Keeping homes affordable and livable long term, ensuring homeowner resilience
In North Carolina, Asheville Area Habitat for Humanity successfully advocated for US$2.4 million in emergency housing funds in the wake of Hurricane Helene. The affiliate also led efforts to ease barriers for low-income homeowners seeking repairs. Their work helped shape city and state disaster recovery plans — ensuring families can retain their homes, rebuild after storms and pass down stability for generations.
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Let’s make housing in the U.S. more affordable and accessible for all. Join us through Habitat Voices in Action as we work together for affordable homeownership.
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Advocating for affordable homes requires all of us. Learn how you can help bring home within reach for millions of families in the U.S.
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In 2023, Habitat funded the Urban Institute to assess policy changes and interview stakeholders from Cost of Home’s first four years. Researchers identified six key strategies for driving policy and systems change.