In a concerted effort to address the ongoing housing crisis, Lakes Area Habitat for Humanity recently participated in a significant event on Capitol Hill. Advocates from across the United States gathered to lobby Congress for increased support in expanding the supply of affordable starter homes. The three-day event, known as Habitat on the Hill, saw representatives from 48 states, along with participants from Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico, meet with Congressional leaders to discuss urgent housing issues.
Addressing the Housing Crisis
The affordability of housing remains a critical challenge for many Americans. Communities across rural, urban, and suburban areas are grappling with an unprecedented decline in affordable homeownership opportunities. According to Habitat officials, this shortage significantly limits workers’ access to job markets, slows local economic growth, and exacerbates the wealth gap, leaving millions of potential homebuyers reliant on rental markets.
In a statement, Habitat’s release emphasized that there is renewed momentum within Congress to confront these issues. For the first time in decades, both the House and Senate are advancing bipartisan legislation aimed at improving housing access. The Senate is backing the ROAD to Housing Act (S. 2651), while the House supports the Housing for the 21st Century Act (H.R. 6644).
“Congress must keep this momentum going, work to combine these two packages and pass a bipartisan housing package as soon as possible that will take meaningful action to help address our nation’s housing crisis and increase supply,” the release stated.
Advocacy Efforts and Legislative Priorities
During their time in Washington, representatives from Lakes Area Habitat for Humanity met with a number of influential lawmakers, including Sen. Amy Klobuchar and Sen. Tina Smith, along with staff members from Rep. Pete Stauber and Rep. Michelle Fishbach. The aim of these meetings was to secure their support for initiatives aimed at increasing the availability of affordable starter homes.
“We know that solving the housing crisis requires meaningfully increasing the supply of affordable starter homes,” said Kevin Pelkey, executive director of Lakes Area Habitat for Humanity. His colleague, Lori Rubin, resource development director, added, “We need bold policy action, and we’re committed to partnering with lawmakers who share our desire for every family to have access to a safe, decent and affordable place to call home.”
In addition to the legislative proposals currently under consideration, advocates urged Congress to fund several key programs. They called for the Self-Help Homeownership Opportunity Program (SHOP) to receive at least $20 million in the Transportation-HUD appropriations bill. They also requested a minimum of $1.5 billion for the Home Investment Partnerships Program (HOME) and at least $1.25 billion for the USDA Section 502 Direct Loan Program in the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration appropriations bill.
This year, advocates emphasized the importance of promoting the Homeownership Supply Accelerator, a plan aimed at rapidly increasing the construction of affordable homes across the United States. This initiative is designed to provide flexible financial assistance for property acquisition, new home construction, rehabilitation, and to help overcome barriers faced by both for-profit and non-profit developers serving modest-income homebuyers.
“As the Habitat network raises its collective voice to call for national action, we know that change can start right here at home,” Pelkey stated. “Each of these priorities is critical to current and future builds with Lakes Area Habitat for Humanity.”
