This week, Habitat for Humanity of Oregon joins hundreds of housing affordability advocates and supporters for Habitat on the Hill. This annual legislative conference, held virtually for the second year, highlights the strides Habitat for Humanity International and its local affiliates have made to better address and advance racial equity in housing and housing policy.
During the conference, entitled “Building a More Equitable Future,” advocates will attend virtual workshops and discussion sessions that explore topics including access to credit, addressing the shortage of affordable housing stock, and advancing equity.
Attendees will also have the opportunity to meet with members of Congress to discuss housing challenges and opportunities in their local communities. Habitat Oregon, along with local staff and a homeowner based in Milwaukie, Newport, Portland, Salem, Sunriver, Tillamook, West Linn, and Wilsonville, will meet with Sens. Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden and Reps. Blumenauer, Bonamici and Schrader.
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Deputy Secretary Adrianne Todman will speak during the opening plenary about the Biden-Harris administration’s priorities, including working with state and local governments and nonprofit organizations to increase the supply of affordable housing in communities across the country.
Other speakers include Jerusalem Demsas, a policy reporter at Vox; Bryan Greene, vice president of policy advocacy at the National Association of REALTORS®; and David Lipsetz, president and CEO of the Housing Assistance Council.