Together, we can help make the #CostOfHome something we all can afford
This weekend, we’re thrilled to mark the second anniversary of Habitat for Humanity’s nationwide campaign, the Cost of Home. Habitat for Humanity of Oregon has been working alongside hundreds of partners and supporters across the country to find the solutions that will allow 10 million individuals to meet their most basic needs. That includes working with advocates right here in Oregon to support policies and programs that help strengthen household resiliency and improve home affordability.
Action items: Here’s how you can help now
As we approach the final weeks of the 2021 Legislative Session, a few of our priority items are still moving through the House and Senate. Now is the time to throw your support behind this important legislation — here’s how you can help:
Email your legislators in support of LIFT (SB 5505): NOW is the time for a good push to make sure that general obligation bonds for affordable housing make it into the final legislative budget for the next biennium. Specifically, we’re asking Habitat affiliates to advocate for $250 million in General Obligation Bonds for LIFT — with 20% set aside for homeownership.
- Download this template to contact your legislators
- If you previously submitted testimony for SB 5505 (examples here), feel free to send a copy of that to your legislators with a note
Show support for HB 2842: This legislation would establish the Healthy Homes Program and Repair Fund.
2021 statewide progress
Stabilizing Oregon households during and after COVID-19: Habitat supporters leaned in on both the Foreclosure Moratorium Extension (HB 2009) and the Eviction Moratorium Extension (SB 282). Both bills will help ensure that Oregonians of all income levels can enjoy the health and economic benefits of a secure place to call home during this critical time.
Expanding access to homeownership: Habitat Oregon led the effort to advocate for SB 458, a bill that simplifies the land division process for middle housing. This legislation will help increase our state’s supply of affordable entry-level homes and deliver a broader spectrum of homeownership options that fit the budgets of more working families.
Nationwide priorities
As we rebuild as a nation from the COVID-19 pandemic, Congress is setting its sights on an economic recovery and infrastructure package. We have a significant opportunity to ensure housing investments are included. Our community, economy and well-being depend on it.
With this opportunity in mind, please raise your voice for housing affordability today:
- Email your federal policymakers urging them to include housing investments in an economic recovery and infrastructure package.
- Tune into +You: Advocating for home affordability — a virtual discussion on the increasing momentum for housing policy solutions. This conversation will air on Monday, June 14 at 1 p.m. PST.
- Make your own Cost of Home square and share on social media, using #CostOfHome, tag Habitat Oregon on Facebook or Twitter, and link to Habitat’s Cost of Home website, habitat.org/costofhome.