We need to do more than swing hammers and build houses to make an impact on the poverty housing crisis in our communities.  Far reaching policy changes are necessary to ensure that all families have a safe, decent place to live.

Redevelopment agency ruling tests cities' funds

reads a headline from The Tribune published Thursday January 12, 2012.  Officials wonder how to continue projects to fight blight without the expected money.  City Manager Steve Adams in Arroyo Grande contemplates next steps for Habitat for Humanity's Brisco Road Affordable Housing Project in his city that falls into 'limbo' after a California Supreme Court ruling dissolves development agencies. As the February 1 deadline nears for the dissolution of redevelopment agencies in California, local officials are trying to figure out how to move forward without the hundreds of thousands of dollars they came to depend on for the community projects in blighted areas.

Most of the cities with redevelopment agencies-Arroyo Grande, Atascadero, Grover Beach, Paso Robles and Pismo Beach-will face increased budget deficits as a result of the elimination of their redevelopment agencies.

Many local projects are also in jeopardy, like Habitat's Brisco Road project which would provide seven homes for ownership to local low-income families. Officials are experiencing more "limbo" in just figuring out which projects may proceed and which ones have been brought to a complete halt.

"It will be a difficult spring,"said Grover Beach City Manager Bob Perrault, whose city faces an estimated $150,000 loss in the general fund next fiscal year on top of an anticipated $200,000 shortfall.  On December 29, the California Supreme Court upheld a state law disbanding the approximately 400 redevelopment agencies statewide.  Gov. Jerry Brown had pushed to eliminate the agencies as part of his budget proposal, saying their funds should be spent on core government services.

Habitat for Humanity California Advocacy Days 2012

HFHSLOCO gathered with other California Habitat affiliate colleagues in Sacramento and spoke with legislators and policy makers on affordable housing issues.  Their decisions have a profound impact on our collective work in all of our communities.  It is important that they understand that affordable housing must be a priority.

Shelter from rain, wind and sun is a basic human need.

Build Louder is Habitat for Humanity’s multi-year advocacy campaign focusing on the issues of neighborhood revitalization and secure tenure. The goal of the Build Louder campaign is to influence U.S. policies in order to improve access to adequate and affordable housing around the world.

Because more than 1.6 billion people worldwide have desperate and complex shelter needs, Habitat for Humanity is committed to ensuring the opportunity for people to live and remain in housing that is safe and affordable.

By partnering with families and advocates to promote responsible policies, we seek to strengthen communities and reduce poverty throughout the world― building hope for the secure future God intends for us all.

Be an advocate with Habitat!

With your voice we can truly make poverty housing a thing of the past. Take Action Now!

Learn More about neighborhood revitalization and security of tenure by going to the campaign website: www.AdvocateWithHabitat.org