Political Conventions And Housing

August 2, 2016

Several presidential election cycles ago, Habitat for Humanity began hosting builds at both the Republican and Democratic National Conventions to give volunteers, sponsors and members of Congress the opportunity to meet the need for safe, healthy and affordable housing by supporting a Habitat project in convention host cities.

This year, Habitat affiliates in Cleveland and Philadelphia hosted lawmakers from all levels of government from across the country, including U.S. Senator Rob Portman (R-Ohio) and U.S. Representative Mark Pocan (D-Wisconsin), along with staff members of other officals.

Housing is a nonpartisan issue; everyone needs a safe, healthy, affordable place to live regardless of political party affiliation.  Habitat’s presence and interactions with lawmakers at both conventions helped to elevate the issue of affordable housing.