Together, we can rectify housing inequities and create a healthier housing market with opportunities for all
This week, we’re marking the third anniversary of Habitat for Humanity’s nationwide campaign, the Cost of Home. Habitat for Humanity of Oregon joins more than 400 Habitat organizations in working to advance policies that will help families across the U.S. afford the cost of home, and we’re proud of the progress we’ve made at the local, state and federal levels.
Critical work lies ahead
Yet at this moment in time, the affordable housing supply shortage has reached critical levels and the racial homeownership gap persists to this day. Everyday Americans struggle to pay for necessities as the economy weathers inflation and the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Action item: Here’s how you can help now
For Cost of Home’s third anniversary, join us in broadcasting our call for home affordability so that everyone — no matter who they are, where they live or how much they earn — has an affordable place to call home. Call on your members of Congress to prioritize affordable homeownership resources »
2022 statewide progress
The Equity Investment Act is a critical investment for diverse communities in Oregon: This bill creates the Equity Investment fund, which allocates $15 million to Business Oregon to provide grants to culturally-responsive, community-based organizations that support paths to homeownership, workforce development and entrepreneurship.
State investments will improve home affordability in communities of all sizes: The Oregon Legislature’s $400 million investment will support critical needs across the state, including addressing houselessness, building and preserving affordable housing and supporting homeownership.
Other ways to participate
Join the conversation on closing the racial homeownership gap in the U.S.: The homeownership rate for Black households is 43.1% compared to 74.4% for white households. On June 14 from 9 to 10 a.m., tune into Habitat for Humanity’s +You panel to learn about the roots of housing inequity, why that matters, and what steps we must take to address it. This panel explores the deep-seated inequities in America’s housing market and the steps necessary to create more inclusive zoning, lending and appraisal practices. Watch the conversation on June 14 »
Learn about Habitat’s commitment to closing the Black homeownership gap: The Cost of Home campaign is a key driver of Habitat’s newly announced Advancing Black Homeownership initiative. This comprehensive strategy deepens our network’s commitment to increasing homeownership opportunities for Black individuals and families — and addressing the racial and systemic bias that has stymied access to homeownership for generations. By advocating for policies like down payment assistance, affordable home development, inclusive zoning and equitable credit practices, we can lower long-standing barriers to homeownership. Learn more »