Pontiac, MI (Tuesday, February 11, 2025) —The dwindling supply of affordable starter homes across America is a crisis that denies millions of families the foundation for stability and opportunity, while straining communities and hindering economic growth. In response, Habitat for Humanity is stepping up to advocate for bold solutions, many of which will be highlighted this week at Habitat on the Hill, the organization’s annual legislative event. This week, Habitat for Humanity of Oakland County will join hundreds of local Habitat organizations and housing advocates in a united call to Congress: It’s time to address the housing crisis with urgency.Habitat for Humanity of Oakland County calls on Michigan congressional members to take action on the affordable housing crisis
Habitat for Humanity of Oakland County will urge members of Congress to invest in both new and existing solutions to meaningfully expand the supply of starter homes:
Department of Housing and Urban Development (T-HUD Bill):
No less than $20 million for the Self-Help Homeownership Opportunity Program
No less than $1.5 billion for the HOME Investment Partnerships Program
Department of Agriculture (Ag-Rural Development Bill):
No less than $1.25 billion for the USDA Section 502 Direct Loan Program
In Oakland County, the lack of affordable homes isn’t just a statistic, it’s a daily reality for families. These challenges exist nationwide, and current programs, while critical, are not enough. To that end, Habitat for Humanity helped to develop the Homeownership Supply Accelerator, a new federal fund designed to regrow the nation’s stock of starter homes in every community that needs them, at prices affordable to low-and moderate-income homebuyers.
Regrowing the nation’s stock of starter homes will expand families’ economic security and stability; enable more businesses to attract and retain essential workers; strengthen economic growth; stabilize distressed neighborhoods and help close our nation’s racial and economic wealth divides.
“Every day, we see families that still can’t afford a safe, stable home,” said Michele Hodges, Executive Director/CEO of Habitat Oakland. “Raising our voices is just as important as swinging our hammers when it comes to addressing the affordable housing crisis, and we look forward to working alongside lawmakers to ensure more people have a place to call home. HFHOC presently has two projects under consideration for Congressionally Directed Spending in the FY 2025 budget. These projects will directly impact the critical need for affordable housing in Oakland County, and we will urge Congress to retain them. We will also request additional funding for FY 2026."
About Habitat for Humanity of Oakland County:
In 1995, the Habitat for Humanity of Oakland County affiliate was established and has since helped over 1,700 individuals and families access safe and affordable housing. Habitat Oakland provides a variety of housing programs across the county, focusing primarily in Pontiac, Southfield and Madison Heights. These include homeownership opportunities for families making 50-80% of the area median income, financial coaching, critical home repairs, and neighborhood revitalization initiatives. Driven by the vision of a world where everyone has a decent place to live, the housing organization has championed its mission to put God’s love into action and bring people together to build homes, communities, and hope. For more information about the affiliate and how to get involved, visit Habitat for Humanity of Oakland County's website.
