Breaking Down Barriers

to Affordable Housing

Advocacy at Habitat for Humanity focuses on breaking down barriers to affordable housing. We work on policy changes both in the U.S. and globally. Building homes is crucial, but it’s only part of the solution.

What We Do
  • Provide financial education and counseling to prepare people to purchase a home and pay a monthly mortgage between $700-900
  • Offer more fair interest rates than what is available through traditional banks
  • Support existing homeowners with zero interest loans for home repairs
  • Develop land across five counties to increase the amount of future affordable homes on the market
  • Help build and keep lively, healthy communities
  • Work toward ensuring everyone has access to safe, quality and affordable housing, no matter their situation
  • Educate lawmakers and the community at large on why and how to advance racial equity and housing
  • 45

    Percent of local renters who regularly spend 30% or more of their income on housing

  • 26

    Percent average gap between a renter’s income and the cost of rent

  • 34

    Percent approximate reduction in the number of available homes for sale in our area

  • 100

    Percent of children we want to grow up with a stable and quality place to live

Omaha faces an affordable housing crisis, with soaring rents, stagnant wages and very low vacancy rates. This needs to change.

That’s where you come in.

Ways to Help

Habitat for Humanity of Omaha

  • Support Legislative Outreach
    Support Legislative Outreach

    You can help take important issues related to our work straight to our State legislators, ensuring our message reaches the places where decisions are made. Our commitment to nonpartisan advocacy is strong, and we consistently find support for affordable housing from elected officials across all political parties.

    Sign Up
  • Community Keys Group
    Become a part of our Community Keys Advocacy Group

    During monthly meetings at the Habitat Omaha office, homeowners will learn about issues affecting our community and how you can be involved in legislation to affect positive change.

    Sign Up
  • Share Words of Support
    Share stories, statistics and words of support within your own network

    Tell others on your social media platforms and within your personal and professional network why you’re passionate about affordable housing to inspire others to join the cause.

  • Donate
    Donate funds, land and/or building materials

    Habitat Omaha relies on financial support from local businesses, individuals and organizations. Less than 1% of local funding comes from Habitat International.

    Donate Now
Support Legislative Outreach

You can help take important issues related to our work straight to our State legislators, ensuring our message reaches the places where decisions are made. Our commitment to nonpartisan advocacy is strong, and we consistently find support for affordable housing from elected officials across all political parties.

Sign Up
Become a part of our Community Keys Advocacy Group

During monthly meetings at the Habitat Omaha office, homeowners will learn about issues affecting our community and how you can be involved in legislation to affect positive change.

Sign Up
Share stories, statistics and words of support within your own network

Tell others on your social media platforms and within your personal and professional network why you’re passionate about affordable housing to inspire others to join the cause.

Donate funds, land and/or building materials

Habitat Omaha relies on financial support from local businesses, individuals and organizations. Less than 1% of local funding comes from Habitat International.

Donate Now

Why is Affordable Housing Important?

We’re all human, and we all deserve the chance to grow up with a safe and stable place to live. A home to love and to make our own. For many, their Habitat homes are the first time they’ve had their own bedrooms, with room to room and play.  Owning a home is a source of pride and empowerment for the entire family. Let’s bring that sense of stability that owning a home offers within reach for more families in Omaha.

Growing up in a Habitat Home

  • Health

    Poor housing conditions can have a harmful effect on health, particularly for children. However, children often see improvements in conditions like asthma and allergies after moving into Habitat for Humanity homes.

  • TRANSPORTATION

    When people have access to good, affordable housing close to their workplace, it eases the strain on our transportation system. This leads to less traffic congestion and helps cut down on commuting costs.

  • ECONOMIC GROWTH

    A thriving housing market draws in businesses that need diverse housing choices for their workforce.

  • ENVIRONMENT

    The energy-efficient homes that Habitat builds are cheaper for homeowners to maintain, meaning money can be spent on other necessities.

Past Advocacy Successes

The North Omaha Recovery Act

LB 1024 passed and the North Omaha community was allocated $450 million in funding, with $40 million going to affordable housing.

State ARPA funds for affordable housing

This state bill set aside $25 million in ARPA emergency rental funding for affordable housing.

Weatherization program

LB 306 expanded Nebraska’s weatherization program  to include a line item in the state budget of $100,000 potentially growing that each year.

PUBLIC AFFAIRS AND ADVOCACY DIRECTOR

Tracie McPherson

We’re committed to leveling the playing field and need your help. Together, we can push for policies that promote affordable housing, ensuring everyone has a safe, stable place to call home.

“The positive effects of homeownership touch every aspect of a family’s life and create lasting impacts that benefit generations to come.”

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Advocacy Stories

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