Advocacy

Advocacy Efforts

In addition to building homes and partnering with hard-working, low-income families, an essential aspect of Habitat for Humanity is to advocate on behalf of those in need of decent shelter and for issues that affect affordable housing. Through advocacy, Habitat for Humanity will work to change the systems that lead to poverty housing and give even more families a place to call home.

To support its advocacy efforts, Habitat for Humanity works to maintain an understanding of issues related to housing and poverty. Habitat for Humanity International monitors public policy issues related to housing, community development and international development as it affects our work in the United States and around the world. Explore Habitat's public policy resources.

Habitat for Humanity monitors legislation, programs and regulations related to housing, community development and international development which impact the provision of affordable housing. Learn about Habitat's legislative priorities.

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Neighborhood Assistance tax credit program:

Under Senate Bill 236, Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels is proposing a cost-cutting measure of suspending tax credits given every year for economic and community development.

Through the Neighborhood Assistance Program, our affiliate has been able to leverage in the excess of $399,000 of donations since the year 2001.

You can reach the Indiana House of Representatives switchboard at 800-382-9842 to express your concerns about SB 236. Ask your representatives to oppose this legislation.

Find your legislators at Access Indiana
Contact your legislators here!

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Self-Help Homeownership Opportunity Program:

With your help, Habitat for Humanity International (HFHI) can push back potential budget cuts that would reduce Habitat's ability to rebuild neighborhoods. Habitat supporters from all over the U.S. are in Washington right now urging Congress to protect funding for programs that support Habitat's Neighborhood Revitalization Initiative, including the Self-Help Homeownership Opportunity Program (SHOP) which provides much needed funding for infrastructure/construction expenses of our partner family homes.

Contact your members of Congress TODAY so Habitat will have the resources it needs to do things such as purchase property, develop infrastructure, and provide low-income families with affordable homes.

Email your representatives: Here

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Ask President Obama to make aid work for the 1 billion people worldwide living in extreme poverty:

Right now, President Obama and his senior advisors are debating the future of U.S. efforts to alleviate poverty, fight disease, and create economic opportunity for the world's poorest people.

Their decisions can have a profound impact on how Habitat for Humanity serves families in need around the globe.

Sign the petition urging the White House to make a strong statement about America's commitment to development.

Add your signature to the petition by clicking here!

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Watch this short video showing how the poor in the United States are just hanging on.

The United States Conference of Bishops has established the Catholic Campaign for Human Development. "43.6 Million Americans live below the poverty line struggling to hang on. Making hard choices between hunger, housing and health care for their families.

It’s time to end poverty in America once and for all. The Catholic Campaign for Human Development (CCHD) invests in community-based solutions — that know no racial or religious boundaries. We support self-sufficiency and self-determination as the best strategies for change. We support projects that break the cycle of poverty for good. Find out more about CCHD and the programs that are changing people’s lives." Please click on the "Tour of Poverty" link for a short video detailing the financial difficulties these families face.