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Habitat Visits Our State's Capitol to Advocate for Affordable Homeownership

Writer's picture: Habitat Monterey BayHabitat Monterey Bay

Updated: 5 days ago


Habitat for Humanity Monterey Bay recently joined forces with sister affiliates in Sacramento for a powerful advocacy effort. Over 80 Habitat experts, including CEOs, team members, homeowners, and board members, representing 33 affiliates across 42 California counties, came together to champion affordable homeownership.


The Housing Crisis in California


The housing crisis in California continues to worsen:


- The average age for first-time homebuyers in California is now 49, compared to the U.S. average of 35.

- Only 18% of California households can afford to purchase a home.

- The projected median home price for Californians in 2025 is $909,400.


These factors, combined with increased expenses on taxes, mortgage insurance, and wildfire insurance, make affordable homeownership increasingly out of reach for many Californians.


Habitat's Unique Model


Habitat for Humanity partners with qualifying homeowners who build and buy their own homes at an affordable price. This model:


- Creates stability and financial independence

- Improves health and well-being

- Enhances educational success

- Builds generational wealth


Importantly, Habitat homes remain permanently affordable. If an owner decides to sell, the home returns to Habitat for another qualifying family.


Advocacy Efforts and Challenges


CalHome Funding

The primary focus of Habitat's advocacy was to restore funding for CalHome, the only state program that funds the production of affordable homes for purchase. Key points:


- CalHome has been eliminated in the current 2025-2026 budget.

- In the last funding round, Habitat affiliates were awarded $52.7 million, creating access to 578 affordable homes.

- Habitat is calling for a one-time $280 million investment in CalHome for 2025-2026.

- This investment could potentially help begin construction on 500 new affordable starter homes in the next 12 months.


Additional Advocacy

Habitat also supported:

- AB 226 (Calderon and Alvarez) addressing California's FAIR plan capacity for homeowner's insurance.

- A resolution to make December 29th "Carter Day" in California, honoring President Jimmy Carter's contributions to affordable housing.


Looking Ahead


While challenges persist, Habitat's collective advocacy demonstrates the power of unity in addressing California's housing crisis. The organization's efforts highlight the critical need for continued support of affordable homeownership programs to address housing shortages, boost the economy, and achieve social, economic, and racial equity in California.

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Opmerkingen


Habitat for Humanity Monterey Bay

Building Affordable Housing in Santa Cruz County and Monterey County

108 Magnolia Street

Santa Cruz, CA 95062

(831) 469-4663

Federal Tax ID # 77-0206356

© 2021 Habitat for Humanity Monterey Bay

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