For the first time in three years, over 300 Habitat affiliates met in person in Washington DC for Habitat on the Hill. Along with learning best advocacy practices from our colleagues across the country, we had the opportunity to meet with our federal legislators to advocate for policies that could help provide everyone in the U.S. with a decent, affordable place to call home. 

February 10th was a beautiful, and surprisingly warm day. Joined by colleagues from almost every state in the country, we took buses to the capital, where we broke off into groups, and attended meetings with our respective senators and representatives. We had a very strong, united (and surprisingly energetic given the jetlag) Washington State team. Along with Whatcom, we had representation from Skagit, Island, Pierce, King, and Evergreen county. We met with Reps Schrier, Newhouse, Glusenkamp Perez, Jayapal, Strickland, McMorris Rogers, Kimer, Smith, Larsen, Del Bene and Sens Murray & Cantwell.  

During our legislative meetings, we asked for increased funding for programs like HOME, SHOP – administered by HUD – and USDA’s 502 Direct Home Loan Program, which provides funding for low-income families building in eligible rural areas. All of these programs are nationally used by Habitat to finance and build, as well as provide down payment assistance for our homebuyers. Although there are many important funding sources that aim to create affordable rental units, as well as provide emergency housing, there are few that address the lack of affordable homeownership opportunities for low-income Americans. 

We also asked for their support for the Neighborhood Homes Investment Act, which would incentivize investors to revitalize neighborhoods where the cost of fixing a home is more than the home is worth. Though this would not impact our little corner of the world, HFHI considers it a crucial bill to help abandoned neighborhoods in cities like Baltimore, Chicago and Detroit, and many more.

It was a great privilege to represent Whatcom, and to advocate for access to safe, affordable housing.