This February, Habitat for Humanity was represented at state and federal lobbying conferences, advocating for resources to continue the pursuit of affordable housing solutions. Representing Habitat for Humanity Seminole-Apopka was executive leader, Kelly Pisciotta, Chief Operating Officer of the affiliate, accompanied by successful Habitat homeowners, Jaylon and Tiffany.
Advocacy in Tallahassee
During the first week of February, Habitat affiliates from across the state of Florida joined together for Habitat’s State Lobby Day. This conference gave Florida’s Habitat leaders the opportunity to speak with their state representatives about the organization’s initiatives, both statewide and locally.
Habitat Seminole-Apopka was one of nearly 30 Florida affiliates registered for the event. With representation from across the state, advocates were able to share homebuying journeys and triumphs, in addition to other important affordable housing topics, such as how the organizations work to utilize private-public funding and partnerships.
After hearing the inspirational story of Jaylon and his son Micah’s journey to homeownership, Representative Doug Bankson reflected on the importance of homeownership, saying, “Now you’ve got the stability, and it opens up the ability to dream. You can think farther down the road.”
Speaking Out on Capitol Hill
From February 9th to the13th, Kelly traveled with Habitat homeowner, Tiffany, to Washington D.C. to participate in Habitat for Humanity International’s 20th annual legislative conference, Habitat on the Hill. Kelly and Tiffany were joined by nearly 500 Habitat advocates to ask Congress to act and address affordable homeownership needs.
The goal of the conference is to bring forward the issues of affordable housing shortages to federal legislators in hopes of action. The current shortage of starter homes is causing the dream of homeownership to remain out of reach for many potential homebuyers, keeping more people in the rental market and causing a scarcity of affordable rental housing.
“We need to continue to make sure that our voices are heard, and we want our homeowners to understand that their voices matter.”
Kelly Pisciotta, COO of Habitat Seminole-Apopka
While in Washington D.C., Habitat advocates focused on asking representatives to support the HOME Reform Act, which expands income eligibility and flexible funding uses in the HOME Investment Partnerships Program, and the Whole Home Repairs Act, which will establish grants and forgivable loans for low-income homeowners and small landlords to fund essential repairs, while still maintaining cost affordability. In addition, Congress was asked to fund the Self-Help Homeownership Opportunity Program (SHOP) and other vital loan programs which all help organizations like Habitat for Humanity to construct, preserve, and finance more affordable housing units.
Success at Capitol Hill means increased resources to be used for affordable housing solutions and more hardworking families who can successfully achieve homeownership. While discussing the importance of Habitat on the Hill, Kelly remarked that “we all have one purpose at the end of the day, and that’s for safe, decent, and affordable housing.”
Meet Tiffany: A Successful Habitat Homeowner
In 2021, Tiffany successfully signed the closing papers and moved into her Habitat home with her two daughters. While in the Habitat homebuyer program, Tiffany was working multiple jobs, studying to receive a master’s degree, and caring for her children full time. Reaching her goal of homeownership has helped to build confidence in herself and structure for her family. She says owning a home “has really created a legacy and a foundation for me and generations to come.”
The Habitat Homebuyer Program has inspired Tiffany to become more involved in her local community and encourage others to do the same and engage with causes that are important to them. Tiffany laid the foundation for her own advocacy interests when she attended Habitat on the Hill with Kelly Pisciotta in February.
Tiffany’s experience at Habitat on the Hill was filled with talking to legislative aids about her homebuying journey, and networking with other homebuyers from across the country. She shared photos of her home with Senator Ashley Moody’s legislative aid and met a homebuyer in North Carolina who should be closing on their Habitat home in the coming months. Tiffany also had the opportunity to connect a Habitat for Humanity in San Francisco with her family member who works for the city, forming a new partnership to continue working towards rising levels of affordable housing.
“This organization literally has helped me get a home, and now they’re helping me develop myself professionally as well.”
Tiffany Davis, Habitat Seminole-Apopka Homeowner
After advocating for affordable housing at Habitat on the Hill, Tiffany realized she has an interest in attending campaign school and running for office one day. She aspires to possibly become the first female black mayor of Oviedo, and she hopes to continue to advocate for Habitat’s mission throughout Central Florida. Tiffany reminds us that with stability “the options are open and endless to the things that we can achieve.”
