Why Advocacy?
 
Globally, nearly 2 billion people live in slum housing and over 100 million are homeless.  In the United States nearly a third of the population has housing problems, including a lack of affordability, overcrowding, unsafe conditions and homelessness.  In the state of Alabama there are over 128,000 households that spend more than 50% of their income on housing.
While building homes is central to our mission, it is only one piece of the puzzle. We must raise our voices about these ongoing housing programs with advocacy – so that our mission is taken on by others across our city and nation.  This is why we are challenging governments, faith communities, corporations, and volunteers to raise their voices and pens as well as their hammers to solve the housing crisis here in Birmingham and across the globe!
 
How do I advocate for affordable housing?
 
1. Join the advocacy team by registering as a Habitat for Humanity Advocate. You will receive emails with periodic news and action alerts so you can start responding to important issues now by contacting your senators, congressmen and local officials on important legislation.
2. Empower and mobilize your friends, family, co-workers, fellow students and communities to change lives by taking real actions to transform current systems, policies, and attitudes that keep people locked into the poverty trap.
3. Build Louder: Habitat for Humanity affiliates have built more than 600,000 homes in the US and internationally. But what about the millions still in need of affordable and decent shelter? Building louder means speaking out, educating, and taking action to provide tangible solutions to the affordable housing crisis. Contact your local elected representatives, Congressmen, and Senators, as well as other in the community to support the goals of Habitat Birmingham.  Tell them you’re concerned about the need for more affordable housing—owned and rented—in Birmingham and across the country.  Express your support for government funding to help create home ownership for lower income working families.  And support other policies that impact the availability of decent, affordable homes for those who need them.
 
For more information about housing policies and our federal legislative agenda, visit the Habitat International website.