Last week, Habitat Homeowner Rae joined nearly 500 Habitat for Humanity leaders, supporters and homeowners in Washington, D.C. to participate in the annual Habitat on the Hill Conference. This gathering provides a platform for Habitat affiliates across the nation to meet with lawmakers and urge them to act on affordable housing solutions. For Rae, it was also an opportunity to share her story directly with her representatives.
“Initially, it felt overwhelming. I truly had no idea what to expect. But as soon as I arrived, my nerves began to fade. Everyone was so kind and welcoming, and I quickly realized I was exactly where I was meant to be.”
Rae completed the Habitat homeownership program in 2024 and has remained actively involved with Habitat Wake ever since. When asked to join our team at the conference, Rae didn’t hesitate to step into the role of affordable housing advocate.
“Choosing to get involved wasn’t a hard decision at all. When something aligns so closely with your lived experience, it simply feels right.”
Our team met with leaders from across Wake County, including U.S. Senators Tillis and Budd, and District Representatives Knott, Foushee and Ross. When speaking with lawmakers, Rae said it was most important to convey the direct impact affordable housing has had on the lives of her two boys.
“I wanted them to understand just how powerful a stable home can be. Children absorb the energy around them. No matter how hard I tried to shield them, my children could feel the stress I carried during uncertain times. That kind of instability weighs on a family.”
Rae knows first-hand how critical housing stability is and wanted to impress upon lawmakers the real-world impact of the affordable housing crisis.
“Affordable housing isn’t talked about nearly enough. We discuss healthcare, childcare, groceries, gas, and education—but none of those issues can truly be addressed without a stable, affordable place to live. Housing is the foundation for everything.”
Sharing her story directly with lawmakers was an empowering experience, and Rae encourages others to do the same and use their voices to advocate for their communities.
“Lawmakers value hearing directly from their constituents. If public speaking isn’t your strength, write. Your voice matters, and getting it out there can help create real change.”
Habitat's Hill Day was timely, starting on the heels of the House passing the Housing for the 21st Century Act—a major bipartisan effort that could result in critical reforms and new policy to spur affordable housing development. Over the last year, Habitats from across the country have been mobilizing supporters to call their Members of Congress in support of bipartisan housing legislation. In October, the Senate passed the ROAD to Housing Act. Now, the Senate and the House have to reconcile the two versions of the bill to pass a final version.
Rae was able to advocate directly to our Members of Congress that they must keep the momentum going on the housing bill. You can add your voice to hers by using our Habitat Action Center to send a message directly to your representative and urge them to support housing solutions that make homeownership more affordable for Americans.
By continuing to raise our voices together, we strengthen our collective power and help ensure that Congress prioritizes the federal resources that support Habitat’s critical work across the country.
