How does Habitat for Humanity use public policy to advocate for affordable housing?
We monitor public policies related to housing, community development and international development. We determine how they can be enhanced or changed in order to provide increased access to affordable housing. Our public policy work helps to improve the lives of low-income people in the United States and around the world. Why is affordable housing important? Several studies show some of the potential benefits of homeownership to be: • Higher educational performance and better behavior of children • Lower community crime rates • Lessened welfare dependency among households • More household participation in civic affairs • Better household health What are some examples of public policies that Habitat supports? • Affordable Housing Trust Fund. A national affordable housing trust fund would be a new source of revenue to assist in the production of new housing and the preservation or rehabilitation of existing affordable housing. • Property Rights for Women. Women who own land or property ca
