Advocate
Habitat for Humanity defines advocacy as changing policies and systems to eliminate barriers to adequate, affordable housing in order to create a world where everyone has a decent place to live.
Affordable homeownership gives families stability, builds wealth, and fosters the confidence and skills needed to invest in their futures and their communities. These benefits ripple outward—strengthening neighborhoods, local economies, and entire regions.
That’s why Habitat for Humanity California advocates for public policies that expand access to affordable homeownership for working families across the state.
For decades, California’s housing policies and investment priorities have failed to keep pace with demand. Housing production has lagged behind population growth, while public investment has largely focused on rental and transitional housing, leaving many working, middle-income families with little opportunity to achieve homeownership.
At the same time, powerful special interests and regulatory barriers have contributed to rising costs, limited supply, and fewer pathways into ownership housing.
Habitat for Humanity California works alongside local Habitat affiliates, homeowners, volunteers, and partners to change this reality by advocating for funding, policy reforms, and systems that make affordable homeownership possible.
Why advocate?
Did you know?
California homeownership rates are low.
Only 56% of California households own their own homes, compared to 65% nationally. Our state ranks 49th for homeownership rates in the U.S.
Homes are not affordable in our state.
In 2024, just 18% of Californians could afford the state’s median-priced home of $865,440 - more than double the national median. Nearly 1 in 5 households spend at least half of their income on housing, making it difficult to save, plan, and invest in their futures.
It’s even worse for People of Color.
Latinx homeownership rates are 18% lower and Black homeownership is 27% lower than homeownership rates for white households in California.
California is underproducing.
Housing production continues to lag. To meet demand in our state, we need to build 220,000 homes annually. For the past decade, production has averaged fewer than 80,000 homes yearly, falling woefully short of these goals.
Our Advocacy Agenda
The primary goal of Habitat for Humanity California’s advocacy work is to advance policies and investments that increase access to safe, affordable, and sustainable homeownership.
We focus on:
Restoring and expanding dedicated funding sources for affordable homeownership
Supporting regulatory reforms that reduce costs and increase housing supply
Elevating the voices of Habitat homeowners and affiliates in policy discussions
Advancing solutions that promote economic mobility and long-term stability for working families
With a statewide network of local affiliates, volunteers, and supporters, Habitat for Humanity California has a powerful, coordinated voice that drives meaningful change at the local, state, and federal levels.
Join us!
