Federal Advocacy in 2026: Takeaways from Habitat on the Hill D.C.

Guest blog by Eva Goldfarb, Government Affairs Coordinator, Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity

Last month, the Government Affairs team at Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity travelled to Washington, D.C. for our annual Habitat on the Hill gathering. We met with Habitat affiliates from across the country to discuss policy solutions for tackling the affordable housing crisis before meeting with congressional members to advocate for these policy priorities.

Left to right: Shereese Turner, Catherine Penkert, Greta Gaetz, and Eva Goldfarb advocate for affordable housing measures in Washington, D.C.

The Government Affairs team was joined by Catherine Penkert, Twin Cities Habitat's Chief of Staff, as well as Shereese Turner, Twin Cities Habitat's Chief Program Officer. Both brought invaluable expertise and insights to our meetings. Twin Cities Habitat met with the offices of all five Representatives that cover our local service area, as well as both Senators.

Each year, Government Affairs works to not only elevate legislative asks to congressional members but also to bring updates from the local communities within their districts. The impacts of federal immigration enforcement and Operation Metro Surge were front-of-mind for us this year. We shared examples of how federal immigration enforcement activities have harmed homeowners, staff, operations, and our region's entire construction and housing industry. 

Advocacy Asks

Habitat staff and supporters meeting with Senator Tina Smith.

One of our main goals during congressional meetings is to elevate the programs and funding sources that make Twin Cities Habitat's work possible. Congress just finalized most FY26 spending bills and is now starting to look at appropriations for FY27. We urged members to protect and increase spending into these programs:  

• The HOME Investment Partnership Program (HOME), a critical and flexible resource for us to build homes and expand access to homeownership.
  
  
• Community Development Block Grants (CDBG), which local communities use to partner with us to build new homes.
  
  
• The AmeriCorps Program equips members with valuable experience and skills when they partner with us, and many members go on to work with us long-term after their service term.
  
  
• Twin Cities Habitat is a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI), and the CDFI Fund allows us to provide tailored financial services to disinvested communities and generate economic growth.

While funding is essential to keep our work moving, we also want to pass policies that can improve the development process, expand access to homeownership, and improve racial equity in housing. While direct program investments will be crucial to addressing the affordable housing crisis, we also support innovative solutions and reforms to meet these needs. Beyond the appropriations process, we also urged members to support our legislative priorities:

• Supporting the Homeownership Supply Accelerator, a new policy concept aimed at establishing a new source of financial assistance to help develop starter homes across the country.
• Working to finalize and pass a comprehensive housing package to address the nation’s affordable housing needs. The Senate recently passed the ROAD to Housing Act, and the House has advanced the Housing for the 21st Century Act. Once combined, this package would contain meaningful, bipartisan solutions increase supply and meet our housing needs.
• Helping pass the Neighborhood Homes tax credit, which would create a federal tax credit to mobilize private investment into distressed communities and develop homes for working class households.

The Experience

Habitat staff and supporters meeting with Senator Amy Klobuchar.

Amidst the challenges we’ve seen here at home and for our work, our advocacy week came at a difficult time amidst the challenges we've seen at home and for our work. Nevertheless, we were so grateful for the opportunity to raise our voices to federal representatives, conceptualize solutions with other housing leaders, gain inspiration from the homeowners who have bought homes through Habitat, and reflect on our goals. When asked about her experience, Shereese shared:

“Traveling to Habitat on the Hill to advocate for our affiliates across Minnesota was an inspiring reminder of why this work matters. Affordable homeownership requires strong partnerships, no matter what side of the aisle legislators sit on, as well as smart policy and persistent advocacy. I’m proud to help carry the voices of our Minnesota affiliates and the communities they serve to legislators, in hopes of advancing solutions that open more doors for families who partner with Habitat for Humanity.”

As we look ahead, we will continue to monitor how Congress navigates this next year and keep in touch with congressional offices to elevate our priorities. Plus, we’re staying busy preparing for our own Habitat on the Hill here in Minnesota! On Thursday, April 16, we’ll gather at Christ Church on Capitol Hill before heading over to the Minnesota State Capitol to advocate to state lawmakers. This free event is a great way to learn more about advocacy and make an impact in your community. We hope you’ll join us! Register for Habitat on the Hill.

Whether it’s in D.C., here at home, or from your phone, there are so many ways to get involved and advocate for affordable housing. Sign up for action alerts below, and our team will send you updates and ways to take action virtually! You can also take action now by sending a letter to your federal representatives urging them to support our priorities.