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Recognizing Inspiring Women

As stated in The White House proclamation, “Women’s History Month provides an opportunity to honor the generations of trailblazing women and girls who have built our Nation, shaped our progress, and strengthened our character as a people.” San Gabriel Valley Habitat for Humanity (SGV Habitat) will celebrate this month by encouraging supporters to nominate an inspiring woman as part of their upcoming Women Build event.

Since 1991, Women Build has brought women and their allies together to raise funds, recruit their friends and build homes side-by-side with those in need of affordable housing. To date, the Women Build event has helped house families in Glendale, Pasadena, Monterey Park, Baldwin Park, Monrovia, and throughout the San Gabriel Valley through volunteering, donations, and advocacy.

Our goal with Women Build is to empower women to help families build strength, stability and independence. We at Habitat have the ability to provide opportunities for hands-on learning, and given these tools, women can succeed in changing their communities.

 

To honor Women’s History Month, SGV Habitat is encouraging supporters to share a story about an inspiring woman in your life through our website (https://sgvhabitat.org/unsung-shero/) before May 6. Or, fill out the form below!

 

 

Who's Your Unsung #SHEro?

Who has pushed you to achieve the impossible? Who has supported you through challenging times? Share her story with us below to be featured on our social media and blog. Fill out the form below by Friday, May 6, 2022, to be considered.

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For more information SGV Habitat Women Build 2022, visit https://sgvhabitat.org/get-involved/womenbuild/

 

Habitat for Humanity’s Most Famous Volunteer

Happy President’s Day to former U.S. President Jimmy Carter 

In celebration of President’s Day, we’d like to acknowledge the 39th President of the United States, Jimmy Carter. James (Jimmy) Earl Carter, Jr., has always had a voice for affordable, decent housing for all.  

In March of 1984, President Carter resonated with Habitat’s mission of helping families achieve their dream of homeownership when he jogged by the New York City Habitat build and thought to himself, “Rosalynn and I should come up and give them a hand.” 

 

His Deep Commitment and Value Alignment 

President Carter and Mrs. Carter realized Habitat’s mission aligned with their values – they understood the need for families to have a stable, affordable foundation to grow. With this, President and Mrs. Carter formed a partnership with Habitat for Humanity and have been building to improve homes through the Jimmy & Rosalyn Carter Work Project. 

Although Carter is most known in the world for his notable accomplishments as the President of the United States, a Nobel Peace Prize winner, the Governor of Georgia, and more, in Habitat’s world, President Carter is known as our most famous volunteer.  

Over the course of 30 years, President Carter has inspired millions of people in 14 countries while working alongside more than 104,000 Habitat volunteers to build, renovate and repair 4,390 homes.  

“We have the ambition to share some of our good fortune with others,” Carter says. 

 “That’s one of the most difficult things in life: to cross that chasm between well-off people and families that don’t have a decent home. That’s one of the things Habitat has given to us: an ability to share, side by side, building a home with families that have never had a decent place to live.” 

A fact of Carter’s commitment

Carter suffered a fall in his Georgia home that led to 14 stitches and a visibly black eye. Despite his injuries, he traveled to Nashville to help rally volunteers during the 36th Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter Work Project with Habitat for Humanity. 

We are honored and grateful for President Carter and Mrs. Carter’s continued partnership and support. You can add to their mission of life-changing work by volunteering, donating, or shopping at San Gabriel Valley Habitat ReStores. 

The Impact of a Community Like Builders’ Club

Learn why our Builders’ Club members give monthly to make a difference all year round 

When like-minded givers come together to support affordable housing with their monthly donation, a community is born. The Builders’ Club community is a passionate and determined group of monthly givers on a mission to end the housing crisis in the San Gabriel Valley region. 

Thank you to our Builders’ Club members who have committed to make a difference all year round. You’ve put your name alongside other members who believe affordable housing should be available for everyone.  

You know with every monthly donation you are: 

  • Helping us build and repair more homes 
  • Altering the trajectory of families’ lives 
  • Improving the health and wellness of families 
  • Doubling the chances of family members attending college 
  • And more! 

Meet some current Builders’ Club members and learn why they give monthly. 

Donor Feature: Nick 

“As a SoCal resident, I can’t imagine living through COVID in an overcrowded, overpriced, and unsafe apartment. Donating $10 every month seems like a small sacrifice if it allows a family to experience the safety and security of becoming homeowners. I am proud to be a member of Builders’ Club!” – Nick

Donor Feature: Kathyjo 

“I am honored to be a member of the Builders’ Club. To work alongside and also be a member teaches my family the importance of giving back. As a family, we annually pick a cause to donate to knowing how fortunate we are to see the results locally in our community. During the current state of affairs we are currently experiencing, we feel helping others and giving back is the right thing to do.” – Kathyjo 

Donor Feature: Anthony 

“I am honored to partner with San Gabriel Valley Habitat for Humanity. The work that this organization does in our community is instrumental. The Builders’ Club is a tangible way for me to show my ongoing support. I am grateful for all those working with this organization, for their dedication to the enduring mission of making affordable housing a reality for all of our brothers and sisters in the San Gabriel Valley.” – Anthony 

Donor Feature: Tammy 

“My monthly donation as a Builders’ Club member is the equivalent of skipping one monthly dinner delivery and it helps families to become homeowners. I’m happy to be a Builders’ Club member!” -Tammy 

Donor Feature: Lucy 

“Donating to families that have the opportunity to receive homes locally is such a blessing to me. I was taught as a small child to give to others and lend a helping hand is a gift from God. It was an easy choice for me to make a monthly commitment to become a Builders’ Club member. I hope by sharing this example, it will encourage other young members to do so as well.” – Lucy

Donor Feature: Scarlet and Bella 

“As a family we collectively pick a nonprofit to donate to. I personally see people that do not have homes and families that do without. When I found out SGV Habitat provides homes for families locally, I knew that supporting our community was the right thing to do.” – Scarlet 

“I donate to SGV Habitat because I like to help children and families. I was so excited to learn that Habitat provides homes for local families, it made my choice to give very easily.” – Bella 

 

This month, we are looking to add more loyal supporters to the club during our 2022 Winter Membership Drive.  

By joining the Builders’ Club during the month of February (depending on your monthly contribution), you can also receive exclusive SGV Habitat branded items, such as a reusable shopping bag, coffee cup or t-shirt! Become a Builders’ Club member with your monthly gift today.  

We ❤️ Our Supporters

February is the month of hearts and this month our hearts are full. That’s because big dreams are coming true through the work happening at San Gabriel Valley Habitat for Humanity and it’s all thanks to our supporters.

 

In 1990 a group of dedicated volunteers came together with a desire to eliminate substandard housing in our community and founded San Gabriel Valley Habitat for Humanity. Since that day over 300 families have been served through our homeownership or home repair programs. This has all happened because of VOLUNTEERS and DONORS like you.

 

We L❤️ve our Volunteers

A Big THANK YOU goes out to our volunteers. Through construction, retail, home repair and more you have impacted families all over San Gabriel Valley.

With the help of volunteers we run our ReStores, assist low-income homeowners with critical repairs, help families fulfill their dreams of homeownership and so much more! It could not be done without YOU!

To Join our Team of Dedicated Volunteers Click Here

 

We L❤️ve our Donors

San Gabriel Valley Habitat for Humanity has been blessed with generous financial supporters. East West Bank recently signed on as the Title Sponsor for our upcoming Women Build event and C.W. Driver provided not only matching funds for our Giving Tuesday campaign, but also a cornerstone sponsorship for our Women Build days. These are just two examples of the great community support we have seen. At San Gabriel Valley Habitat for Humanity we keep our overhead costs low to ensure our dollars go far. (Ninety-six percent of all funds received are invested to help families build or repair a place to call home.) Thank you to ALL our Donors who make this all possible.

To Join our group of dedicated supporters Click Here

The homes we’ve built, and those planned for the future, are a testament of love from our donors, volunteers, and supporters. This same love builds stronger families, stronger communities, and opens doors to the American Dream.

Join the efforts and support families all year long by joining our Builders’ Club this month during the Winter Membership Drive.

 

Your Impact in the First Year of the Expanding the American Dream Campaign

In 2021, you (our partners, donors, supporters, and volunteers) provided homeownership opportunities and critical home repairs to 27 families in the San Gabriel Valley and abroad. This directly impacts the Expanding the American Dream campaign’s goal of transforming the lives of 100 families by 2023. 

The breakdown: 

  • 6 homeownership opportunities provided to local families 
  • 11 critical home repairs for low-income homeowners 
  • 10 homes built internationally   

This could not have been achieved without you. To fund this $28 million campaign, we rely on you (providers and preservers of the American Dream), ReStore purchases and donations, state grants, and mortgage proceeds. This campaign is 100% donor dependent. It is only possible through your generous support year after year. Thank You! 

The Expanding the American Dream campaign is going into its second year in 2022. This campaign is calling attention to the need for affordable housing and raising funds to help families achieve their dreams of homeownership. Running through 2023, it highlights the importance of community and the significant role a safe home plays in helping families thrive. 

“Our goal is to dramatically increase the number of affordable homeownership opportunities in the San Gabriel Valley” says Bryan Wong, Executive Director at SGV Habitat for Humanity. “The need for affordable housing in the area is overwhelming. We aim to make the world a place where all can afford to live—both first-time homebuyers and long-time residents.” 

How You Can Help:

  • Donate to the campaign 
  • Shop at SGV ReStores 
  • Advocate for affordable housing for everyone 
  • Educate yourself on the benefits of affordable housing 
  • Share your support by using the #ExpandingtheAmericanDream hashtag on social media 

Multi-Home Dedication Ceremony

Thank you for joining us at the first-ever virtual multi-home dedication! Donors and volunteers like you have helped families for over 30 years! Your support means that four more families can now live out their own American Dreams! This ceremony celebrates four homes in Baldwin Park, Monterey Park, and Pasadena, respectively, that you have made possible. Join homeowners Kimberly, Tamer, Mai, and E’Tiffany (in spirit), as we officially commemorate the start of their homeownership journey.

Part I: Introduction

Executive Director Bryan Wong and Frances Hardy, Director of Resource Development welcome you to the Multi-Home Dedication.

Special thanks to our Habitat heroes:

  • The Ahmanson Foundation, Grifols, Jacque Wright, The Bank of America Foundation, Southern California Edison, Union Bank Foundation, Wells Fargo Housing Foundation, Warren J. Thomas, Tim Barber LTD., Pasadena Methodist Foundation, John Jones, Pacific Premier Bank, Travelers Insurance, De Nova Community Fund, Eleanor Grossman, Compton Youth Build, Los Angeles Conservation Corps, Margaret Jansen and Cheryl Bode, anonymous donors and many, many others

Part II: Invocation – Julianna Jaynes

Per Habitat tradition, Donor Care Coordinator, Julianna Jaynes, says a few words and officially opens the dedication in prayer.

Part III: Baldwin Park Mayor, Emmanuel Estrada

Our next speaker is Baldwin Park Mayor Emmanuel Estrada. Mayor Estrada is a champion and key partner for affordable housing and homeownership in Baldwin Park.

Part IV: Homeowner Question and Answer Session

Sara Smola, Managing Editor of Pasadena Magazine, helps us learn more about our new Habitat homeowners, Mai, Tamer, and Kimberly.

Part V: Passing of the Keys – Kimberly

There are many partners who help make a project like this possible. One of these partners is Grifols. They have been instrumental in creating more affordable housing throughout the San Gabriel Valley. Karen Glenn, Grifols’ Senior Manager of Corporate Affairs gives the keys to Habitat Homeowner, Kimberly.

Part VI: Passing of the Keys – Tamer

Another housing champion with us today is our generous donor, Margaret Jensen. Like many of our donors, she is dedicated to ensuring everyone has a decent and safe place to call home. And while, according to her, she can’t go out and build, she can sure throw money at our mission! Thanks to Margaret and donors just like you, Tamer and his family are now on their way to their own American Dream.

Part VII: Passing of the Keys – Mai

Another guest joining us today is Cheryl Bode. A very generous donor, Cheryl represents the hundreds of people just like her committed to ending the housing crisis through their generosity. Watch as she hands the keys to Mai, one of our newest Habitat homeowners.

Part VIII: End of Ceremony

Bryan Wong, Executive Director, makes departing remarks.

This is just the beginning, but with your help, we can continue to be housing innovators and serve more families than ever before! See the many ways you can continue to help below.

Join the Builders’ Club

The Builders’ Club is a passionate and determined group of monthly givers on a mission to end the housing crisis in the San Gabriel Valley region.

As a member, you make a difference all year round. With every monthly donation you make, you alter the trajectory of families’ lives. Increased health, double the chances of attending college, and financial freedom are just a few benefits that your membership brings to families living in the homes your contributions will help build.

Join the Builders’ Club HERE

Share This Page with Your Network

The best way to make more change and help more families is by getting more people involved! Share this page with your network. Even better? Follow us on social media, share, like, and help more families with just a few clicks and keystrokes!

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The Unsung #SHEroes of Women Build

All #WomenBuildMonth long, we asked supporters all around San Gabriel Valley to share stories of their unsung #SHEroes. These women inspire them and represent the strength and resilience inside every woman. This blog is a celebration of each and every one of these #SHEroes, and the many women out there like them.

Dora

“My mother raised my siblings and me (5 total), by herself. She brought all five of us and 2 more cousins to the United States illegally. My mom cleaned other people’s homes to pay rent, put us through school, and put food on our table. In 1996, my mother was diagnosed with a brain tumor, she was suffering from seizures, she had surgery, recuperated, and continues to thrive. My mother is my inspiration because no matter what life throws at her, she finds the will and strength in her to get through the struggle. My mother has taught me to keep pushing forward no matter what life deals you.”

– Fabrizio

 

Elisabeth

“Elisabeth (right) works tirelessly, six days a week, to provide opportunities and training to young adults on the autism spectrum in film production/post production, video game design, visual effects, and animation. She is a program supervisor with Actors for Autism. She always shies away from thanks, because in her mind these opportunities and students are worth fighting for and committing time to. THEN, in what little free time she has, she is pursuing a career as an actress. I’m inspired by her commitment and dedication to her craft running so deeply, and she keeps finding more success as she constantly challenges herself to grow her career.

She is welcoming to literally anyone and everyone. She makes people feel at home that might otherwise be alienated. She’s the type of person who would give a homeless person $10 if they ask for change. She tithes 10% of her income to an under-resourced orphanage in Mexico. Additionally, for the orphanage, she has organized clothing and diaper drives, to take down to the orphanage herself. She donates time and money to Mercy for Animals, to help stop animal cruelty. She has volunteered for Camp Del Corazon to help children with heart disease. She basically donates her time and money to more amazing companies and non-profits than I can even think of.”

– Jacob

 

Flora

“Flora is amazing beyond measure! Despite her extremely busy schedule—working more than a handful of jobs, while managing her own freelance businesses, as well as being a full-time bunny mom (just to name a few), she still makes time for her friends and family. There is a saying that goes: “Nobody is ‘too busy’. Rather, they make time for the people they care about.” Flora is the perfect example of this saying because she is always there for everyone, regardless of how hectic her life may be. She timelessly puts others before herself. She never fails to make sure that every single person is well taken care of. Her compassion for helping others is something truly admirable. Anyone who crossed paths with Flora would agree how much brighter their life has gotten because of her words of wisdom and charismatic personality. Even with how brilliant she already is, she eagerly continues to have the desire to learn new things. With that, she has been a great life mentor for myself and many others—all while staying true to herself and being humble.”

– Justine

 

Beatriz

“My mother (right) is a selfless and strong woman. Her love for her children and family is incredible. She is a mother to my special needs brother Sebastian Mujica and is constantly looking out for his best interest, fighting for his rights and fair treatment and wants the best for her family.”

– Andrea

 

Lucy

“My mom (left) made the most important decision in her life when she decided to become a single mother. Growing up, she made it possible for my brother and I to focuses on our studies, participate in extracurricular activities, while still packing all homemade lunches and giving us a safe place to call home. Raising two kids in a single-parent household was not always easy for her, but she never let anything get in the way of being the best mom, the best example, and the best SHEro she could be. My mom gave, and still continues to give, my brother and I all that she can, even if it means having fewer things for herself. Selfless, hard-working, and strong are the words that come to my mind when I think about my mom. My brother and I are educated, first-generation, Chinese-Americans who are products of a single-mom household. We are living proof that single-moms are strong.”

– Flora

 

Laura

“Every since I was young, I always wanted to be exactly like my mom (left). Her energy is like nothing else – she is strong, and opinionated, and uses her voice to consistently speak out against injustice and for what she believes in. She is also kind, and thoughtful, and goes out of her way to make everyone feel welcome and included. The joy that she brings into the world is unparalleled and infinite, and I cannot be more thankful to have a woman like her in the world!”

– Julianna

 

Veronica

“My mother, Veronica, is most definitely my #SHEro. Throughout her life, she has been dealt a difficult card, from being diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, to breast cancer twice, and so much more, she has kept fighting for her children. Even throughout those difficulties, she always instilled in us the wisdom we needed to succeed. Today, she’s a grandmother, and part of a strong bloodline of “Guerreras” – or female warriors. I could not be prouder of her, the women before her, like my grandmother Josefina, and the women after her, including my sister Vanessa, and nieces, Josefine and Amelia. Each have left and will leave a path for future generations of women to take, and surpass – as they should.”

– Steve

3 Reasons Affordable Housing Creates a Better World 

A house is not just a house, it is a home – a place that shelters, protects, and nurturesIt offers a safe space for the people inside to thrive and supports their personal and professional development. 

We believe affordable housing is not a hand out. It’s a hand up. It gives families’ the ability to reimagine their future without the high cost of rent.  

In San Gabriel Valley, the need for affordable housing is apparent. The cost to rent or purchase housing has become less affordable for millions of Californians. What needs to be known is the impact affordable housing can make to families and the community. 

Affordable Housing is Great for Kids 

Stable, affordable housing is important for children’s future. A study done by Boston College and the MacArthur Foundation detailed how poor quality housing is tied to children’s emotional and behavioral problems.  

The National Low Income Housing Coalition reported poor housing quality and residential instability are the strongest predictions of behavioral problems among low-income children.  

Addressing housing affordability is the most cost-effective way of lifting people out of poverty, for reducing childhood poverty and increasing economic mobility, says Sarah Mickelson, senior director of public policy at the National Low Income Housing Coalition.” 

For children, a stable place to call home gives them an adequate space to study and the possibility to make a better future for themselves. With a room for a small desk and parent’s ability to spend more time with their children – all of these benefits can lead to a happier and healthier family. 

It Builds Sustainable Communities 

The need for affordable housing is imperative, not only for families who rely on housing, but neighborhoods. Having affordable housing developments in neighborhoods bring a positive impact on the surrounding communities. SGV Habitat works with city governments, housing organizations, and community advocates to create communities for families to thrive in.  

Studies have shown affordable housing uplifts residents, encourages social connection, reduces overcrowding, increases adjacent property values, attracts businesses and jobs, and lowers crime rates. 

There are many economic benefits of affordable housing. From increased spending, increased hiring, and increased taxes and revenue for local governments, affordable housing can help communities thrive as well. When families worry less about making rent, those living in affordable housing can spend more on more nutritious food and other essential items. Increasing the buying power for low-income families can mean steady income for local businesses, more job creations, and economic growth. This is proven as more and more shops, restaurants and healthcare facilities open where the NHP Foundation has properties. 

Promotes Diversity 

Affordable housing developments encourage diversity by creating communities where people of different cultural, socio-economic, and educational backgrounds can unite. Diverse communities increase the knowledge of cultural sensitivity, fairness, and understanding of different backgrounds – ultimately creating a better community overall.  

“Community-building investments that help neighbors from diverse backgrounds overcome their fears and suspicions and build positive social relationships across racial and ethnic lines may also help strengthen and stabilize newly diversifying neighborhoods and enable residents to enjoy the potential benefits,” according to a study by the Urban Institute. 

By supporting affordable housing in your community, you will be helping a family finally buy their first home, children being able to study in their own rooms, build a stronger and more vibrant community, and much more. 

How You Can Help 

  • Advocate for affordable housing for everyone 
  • Educate yourself on the benefits of affordable housing  
  • Help sustain and expand the Healthy Homesinitiatives at the federal, state and local levels, including public-private collaborative programs 
  • Strengthen enforcement of fair housing laws, including the Fair Housing Actand other state and local regulations prohibiting racial discrimination in housing markets 
  • Donate now to show your support to fix the housing crisis in the San Gabriel Valley and beyond 

How Housing Affects Educational Outcomes

Academic Success Begins At Home

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, a supportive and stable home can attribute to the educational success of children.  When families spend less on housingthey can invest in themselves. This includes investing in higher educationLong-term career growth, social mobility and finances can help lift the entire family into prosperity. 

No matter one’s age, having a decent place to call home – a place to study and think – a place to feel secure – can lead to a more successful future. 

Low Quality and Unaffordable Housing Affects Children and Adults 

Frequent or unplanned moves because of unsafe situations, rising housing costs, or other difficulties negatively impact school performance. In some cases, families are forced to move to undesirable areas with low-performing schools. These situations create cycles of instability that easily permeate into adulthood. 

For children, moves can interfere with the development of personal relationships, resulting in the lack of a support system in schoolAs friends are vital to school-age children’s healthy development, children who lack friends can suffer from emotional and mental difficulties. Establishing roots in the community allows children to develop friendships, ultimately increasing their empathy and compassion. 

Parents paying too high a percentage of their income for housing often find themselves making tough choices. The decision between making rent, paying for education, or having safe transportation can cause stress, depression, and hopelessness. With affordable housing, adults spend less time worrying about finances and more time invested in their children’s education as well as their own.  

In a 2016 report “Impacts of Habitat for Humanity Homeownership,” researchers from the Wilder Foundation determined that almost two-thirds of Habitat homeowners in Minnesota say they feel more confident about their ability to fund their kids’ college education. Having a stable place to call home provides the entire family with a secure environment to grow and excel in life. 

A Hardworking Family Gets the Space They Need to Thrive 

Azat and her children (Kristina pictured) once lived in an overcrowded apartment sleeping cramped on one couch. After moving into their Habitat home in Glendale, Kristina and Arthur now have the rest and personal space they need to focus on school. 

Everybody is happy, and I feel more secure. The kids feel free-er to focus and learn. Their grades have improved!”

Today, the family is thriving in their safe and stable home. Thanks to the extra space, they can stay in touch with their Armenian roots – hosting family members and sharing dishes with their community of friends. This is all thanks to San Gabriel Valley Habitat supporters and donors, just like you! 

How You Can Help 

  • Advocate for affordable housing with SGV Habitat and Habitat for Humanity International 
  • Support the #CostOfHome Campaign 
  • Strengthen enforcement of fair housing laws, including the Fair Housing Actand other state and local regulations prohibiting racial discrimination in housing markets 
  • Donate to show your support to fix the housing crisis in the San Gabriel Valley and beyond 
  • Sign up for SGV Habitat’s e-newsletters by scrolling to the bottom of sgvhabitat.org
  • Share this article and educate others on the importance of affordable housing 

The Importance of Advocacy

The Progress You’ve Made Possible 

Thanks to your support families throughout the San Gabriel Valley and beyond are witnessing first-hand what it is to have safe and stable housing. In fact, in the last thirty years, your support has helped over 220 families find brighter futures through permanent homeownership. Our work to make homeownership possible for all, however, has only just begun.  

The Challenges Ahead 

There is a serious housing shortage of over 3 million units in the State of California. The shortage doesn’t end in here. According to the National Low Income Housing Coalition, there is a national housing shortage of 7.2 million units, with no state meeting the housing need of its residents. 

Steadily rising housing costs make it difficult for many individuals and families to find housing that is affordable and that meets their needs, forcing them to make difficult tradeoffs between the cost of living and other key necessities. 

Laying the Foundation for the Communities of Tomorrow 

Solving the housing crisis will not be easy. Making the American Dream a reality for everyone requires significant change to help more families than any one organization could serve alone.  

Decreasing the housing deficit at a scale that will solve the housing crisis requires the efforts of individuals, organizations, and elected officials at the local, state, and federal level – it requires everyone to join the cause. While funding causes like SGV Habitat is incredibly important, advocacy is also a critical part of the housing crisis solution. 

Why Is Advocacy Important? 

Affordable housing is discussed on Capitol Hill, in the White House and federal agencies, and by state and local legislators. Without the voice of constituents like you, regulations and other policy decisions may not reflect what is best for the future of your community. 

Living in a democracy means every citizen has the right to advocate. As a constituent, your voice is an important tool that influences the actions of leaders in this country. As an advocate for affordable housing, you can impact on the lives of low-income families by providing policymakers with the personal stories and facts they need to make decisions and write laws. 

How Can I Advocate for Affordable Housing? 

Your voice matters. Letting your representatives know about the needs of your community ensure that they have the information needed to put legislation in place. There are several ways you can make change: 

  1. Interact with your elected officials on the local, state, and federal level. This website has an easy way to find all of your representatives in one place. 
  1. Educate your family, friends, coworkers, and neighbors about affordable housing and its positive effect on communities. In turn, they will also take action! 
  1. Submit op-eds and letters to the editor at your local newspapers and magazines. 
  1. Use social media to spread knowledge and encourage action. It’s as easy as sharing an @SGVHabitat post or blog like this one. 

When Can I Start? 

Right now! You can begin your affordable housing advocacy journey by following us on social media. You’ll be sure to find plenty of information to share with your inner (and outer) circle.