Habitat for Humanity defines advocacy as " the changing of policies and systems to eliminate barriers for adequate and affordable housing in order to create a world where everyone has a decent place to live."

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In other words, while not visible like homes themselves, laws, regulations, and rules about land and building are a major part of housing issues! Smart policies and systems can promote access to decent housing, while other policies and systems may create unnecessary barriers. These barriers can make it harder than it needs to be to find land for construction, build the home itself, or be able to afford a place to live.

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The essence of advocacy is not accepting shortcomings in current policies, but working to shape them in a way that supports people in need of adequate housing.

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Habitat’s advocacy rises from decades of on-the-ground experience and policy expertise. Based on our deep understanding of housing and its role in building a strong foundation, we seek to reform laws in a non-confrontational, non-partisan way.

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Just like building, advocating for smart policies and systems is a way to create a world where everyone has a decent place to live.

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Why advocate?

In short, because it works!

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Habitat for Humanity has been building strength, stability, and self-reliance through shelter for nearly four decades. Habitat has assisted 13.2 million people since we were founded in 1976 and there is no question that our work has made an impact.

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And yet, though that number is powerful, one out of five people around the world is still in need of safe, decent, and affordable housing. Through advocacy, we can exponentially increase access to decent, affordable housing. Advocating on behalf of those living in poor conditions is a priority for Habitat. We wholeheartedly believe that a decent place to live can remove the barriers to opportunity, success, and health that might have been part of a family’s life for years, if not generations.

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To address that level of need, we invite you to advocate with us for housing policies and systems that address the global need for housing!