What is advocacy?
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. In other words, while not visible like homes themselves, laws, regulations and rules about land and building are a major part of housing. Smart policies and systems can promote access to decent housing, while other policies and systems may create unnecessary barriers, making 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. The essence of advocacy is not accepting shortcomings in current policy, but rather working to shape it in a way that supports people in need of adequate housing.
Habitat’s advocacy is based on 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 nonconfrontational, nonpartisan way. Just like building, advocating for smart policies and systems is a way to create a world where everyone has a decent place to live.
In short, because it works. Habitat for Humanity has been building strength, stability and self-reliance through shelter for nearly four decades. Habitat has served 6.8 million people since we were founded in 1976 and there is no question that our work has made an impact. But as powerful as that has been, one out of five people around the world are still in need of safe, healthy and affordable housing. Through advocacy, we can all exponentially increase access to decent, affordable housing.
Advocating on behalf of those living in poor conditions is a priority for Habitat. We whole heartedly believe that a decent place to live can remove barriers to opportunity, success and health that might have been part of a family’s life for years, if not generations. 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.