Habitat for Humanity helps to unlock opportunities for affordable homeownership in ninth annual Home is the Key campaign

Using the collective power of the Habitat affiliate network and corporate partner support, the global housing nonprofit helps open the door to equitable homeownership during National Fair Housing Month

ATLANTA, April 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The 2024 State of the Nation's Housing report, published by Harvard University's Joint Center for Housing Studies, painted a stark picture. Home prices reached a new all-time high last year, slowing homeownership growth and widening homeownership gaps. Both housing shortages and housing cost burdens were at their highest rates in years, leaving millions of potential first-time buyers priced out.

The effects of the housing crisis are felt in every region of the country, from the most rural town to the largest metropolitan area, and families continue to face barriers to affordable homeownership. Today, Habitat for Humanity is kicking off its ninth annual Home is the Key awareness and fundraising campaign to call attention to the need for affordable housing and to help open the door to equitable homeownership across the U.S. As campaign sponsors, Astound, Lowe's, At Home, and Richard, are providing financial and volunteer support for Home is the Key. iHeart Radio will help amplify key messages through nationwide radio features, social media, and digital during the month of April.

"At Habitat for Humanity, we have long known that home is the key to connection, stability, and well-being," said Jonathan Reckford, CEO of Habitat for Humanity International. "But we also know that far too many families are locked out of the opportunity for homeownership. Working together with our partners and the Habitat network this month, the Home is the Key campaign aims to improve equitable access to safe, decent and affordable homes and create the foundation for thriving and inclusive communities across the nation."

Throughout April, which is also National Fair Housing Month, local Habitat for Humanity affiliates nationwide representing rural, suburban, and urban regions will put housing center stage in their communities to demonstrate the power of collective action and continued commitment to creating housing solutions in the U.S. Participating affiliates include:

• Habitat for Humanity of Central Arizona will complete the final home of the Alta Vista Ranch neighborhood and dedicate it the 'Carter Celebration Home', honoring the late President Jimmy Carter and Mrs. Rosalynn Carter. The event will also include a block party to unite the Alta Vista Ranch and South Ranch communities in celebration of 40 years of Habitat Central Arizona's impact.
• Habitat for Humanity of Dane County will host Turning the Key to Homeownership, a discussion on tackling the affordable homeownership crisis in Dane County and across the U.S. A distinguished panel of business and community leaders, including Elmer Moore, Jr., CEO of the Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority, will discuss solutions and inspire action. People can register for the webinar in advance.
• Habitat for Humanity of Jacksonville will host a four-day Leaders Week, where business, faith, and civic leaders will begin the construction of four homes in the Longbranch neighborhood of Jacksonville. The area is included in a $300M Community Benefits Agreement signed by the City of Jacksonville and the Jacksonville Jaguars to bring new investment to a historically red-lined area.
• Habitat for Humanity of Loudon County will host a groundbreaking ceremony for the future Hilltop Hideaway, a 34-unit neighborhood featuring new, eco-friendly features, emphasizing sustainable design and innovative housing solutions.
• Habitat for Humanity of Seattle-King & Kittitas Counties in partnership with The Martin Luther King, Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change (The King Center) will host From Dream to Reality: Advancing Equity in Homeownership, an event honoring the anniversary of the 1968 Fair Housing Act. On April 10, Dr. Bernice A. King, CEO of The King Center; Richard Rothstein, author of The Color of Law; and Nicole Bascomb-Green of the Black Home Initiative, will participate in a panel discussion on affordable housing and community partnerships. Dr. King will also unveil the name of Habitat SKKC's largest multi-family development to-date at 58 units. The event will be livestreamed for the public to watch.

"Both my father and my mother, Coretta Scott King, believed that dignity is, in part, reflected in how we care for each other's everyday well-being, including healthy, humane housing," said Dr. King. "As we commemorate the 57th anniversary of the Fair Housing Act, I encourage us to join together in ensuring that dignity in housing is a priority across sectors and in reminding all that dignity in housing is right. As my father said, "For when people get caught up with that which is right and they are willing to sacrifice for it, there is no stopping point short of victory."

Habitat Humanitarians Drew and Jonathan Scott are also joining Home is the Key to raise awareness of the need for equitable access to affordable housing. Since 2018, the Scott Brothers have supported the annual campaign to drive support for the critical need of affordable housing across the U.S.

"We are honored to support Habitat's Home is the Key campaign once again," said Drew and Jonathan Scott. "We know that a home is so much more than four walls and a roof overhead – it is the place where strong family foundations are built and where communities are created. By supporting the campaign, everyone can play a role in helping unlock more opportunities for families."

"The Home is the Key campaign reminds us that we all benefit when homeownership is accessible to everyone. We are grateful for the partners who are working alongside Habitat, and we encourage everyone to raise their voices this month to help improve access to equitable housing in the U.S.," said Reckford.

People can join and support the campaign by donating at habitat.org/homeisthekey, engaging with participating campaign partners, donating at their local Habitat ReStores and by using #HomeIsTheKey on social media. Money donated on the website and through campaign partners will go toward programs advancing innovative solutions to improving housing access and affordability in communities across the U.S. Visit habitat.org/homeisthekey to learn more.

About Habitat for Humanity

Driven by the vision that everyone needs a decent place to live, Habitat for Humanity found its earliest inspirations as a grassroots movement on an interracial community farm in south Georgia. Since its founding in 1976, the Christian housing organization has since grown to become a leading global nonprofit working in local communities across all 50 states in the U.S., Puerto Rico, and more than 70 countries. Families and individuals in need of a hand up partner with Habitat for Humanity to build or improve a place they can call home. Habitat homeowners help build their own homes alongside volunteers and pay an affordable mortgage. Through financial support, volunteering or adding a voice to support affordable housing, everyone can help families achieve the strength, stability and self-reliance they need to build better lives for themselves. Through shelter, we empower. To learn more, visit habitat.org.

SOURCE Habitat for Humanity International