Habitat for Humanity of Durham joins other Habitat for Humanity affiliates on Capitol Hill to advocate for programs that impact affordable housing

Representatives from Habitat for Humanity of Durham will join hundreds of Habitat for Humanity leaders, supporters and advocates in Washington, D.C., on Feb. 8-10 for Habitat‘s sixth annual advocacy and legislative conference titled, “Habitat on the Hill: Build Louder. Serve Louder.

During Habitat on the Hill, participants will emphasize how crucial AmeriCorps and VISTA members are to Habitat and will urge legislators to protect the Corporation for National and Community Service that administers the programs. Each year, more than 100,000 volunteers are recruited, managed and trained by AmeriCorps members serving with Habitat for Humanity.  VISTA members helped to develop resources and programs that have generated more than $5 million for local house building efforts.

Among the many topics to be discussed, participants will share with Congressional representatives Habitat’s national initiative that offers volunteer, employment and housing opportunities to veterans and military families.  

This level of engagement in Washington will create a better understanding of and stronger support for Habitat's work and the critical federal programs that have assisted Habitat affiliates in serving families across the country,” said Liz Blake, senior vice president, Government Affairs at Habitat for Humanity International. “This is our opportunity tackle some of the policy and legislative issues that will be key to serving more families in 2012. Speakers at the three-day conference will include: Sen. Chris Coons, D-Del.; Col. David Sutherland, special assistant to the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff; Elizabeth Littlefield, president and CEO of the Overseas Private Investment Corporation; and Jonathan Reckford, CEO of Habitat for Humanity International.