Block Talk

Learning, resources and stories from the Housing and Community Strategy team

December 2024

We are excited to share this report that highlights some of the key work that the Housing and Community Strategy team has been leading over the past few years. Our goal is to build equitable, livable and resilient communities where local people and community partners have the capacity and resources to enact change. The report provides insight into recent projects and activities that show how we are partnering with the Habitat network to realize this vision.

As you will see in the report, our work is multifaceted and diverse as we work alongside the network to increase equitable access to affordable housing. In this work:

• We lead by being a voice that advocates for marginalized communities.
• We learn through partnerships across the housing and community sector at large and as we receive feedback from the Habitat network and community members.
• We do by supporting and partnering with the Habitat network as you advocate, organize and build in your communities.

The Affiliate Statistical Report and Housing Production Annual Report give an overview and summary of five-year production trends among Habitat’s U.S. network. This includes key demographic trends, a summary of the fiscal year’s advocacy work, use of the ASR and HPR data in research, and infographics tracking state-level production data. You can access the fiscal year 2024 ASR/HPR annual report on the U.S. Knowledge Center of MyHabitat.

We’re excited to announce the release of a new infographic that provides a summary of repair work done through the Lowe’s Home Preservation Project 2023 grants. With data on repairs completed, households served, and homeowner health and financial wellbeing outcomes, the infographic is designed to help local organizations communicate the broader impact of our work.

We would like to express our gratitude to affiliate leaders who provided valuable feedback during the beta testing phase! Your insights were instrumental in finalizing the product. We are planning to leverage the infographic for other repair projects and support affiliates in using the new tool at the local level. Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to measure and celebrate our impact.

Join Habitat for Humanity International CEO Jonathan Reckford, as well as the CEOs of Catholic Charities USA, Interfaith America and YMCA of the USA for a discussion on bridge building and its role in each organization’s mission. The online discussion is scheduled for Jan. 6 at 1 p.m. EST. The participants will share their thoughts on how bridge building leads to increased trust within organizations, greater impact in programs and stronger cohesion in communities. Colleagues from local Habitat organizations are invited to join in the event. The networks from the other participating organizations will also be invited to join. The number of spots is limited, so register for this Fireside Chat today.

Please send your ideas, successes, challenges and contributions for possible publication to Block Talk at nr@habitat.org.