
I'm sure you need no reminder that an election is right around the corner. What is helpful to remember, though, is that this is an opportunity to use an important homebuilding tool: your vote. Sure, hammers and tape measures are toolbox essentials on a Habitat construction site, but your voice at the ballot box is a real power tool when it comes to building more affordable housing.
What should I look for on my ballot?
I encourage every eligible voter to do your own research on the candidates and issues before you, so that you can vote your values in this important election. One item on your ballot that I hope you'll look closely at is statewide Proposition 5, which has the support of Habitat for Humanity California and other housing and justice advocates.
Why is Habitat endorsing Proposition 5?
Prop 5 sets the voter threshold at 55% to pass a bond that would fund eligible affordable housing or public infrastructure projects. It is not a tax or bond itself. Instead, it's a way to give more of a voice to voters to approve measures at the local level that address their communities' specific housing concerns with impactful solutions.
The short story is that we need more affordable housing. We are failing to build what we need to increase supply, bring down prices, and make sure more people can afford to stay housed. And when it comes to homeownership – the bridge to this vital opportunity is growing narrower. In my 20 years at Habitat, I have never seen such a difficult environment in which to build affordable ownership housing.
Prop 5 would make it easier to support a range of affordable housing solutions, including homeownership. In fact, Habitat California worked hard to ensure that Prop 5 is the first ballot measure in the state's history to include homeownership-specific language. The proposition also has accountability and oversight written into the legislation so that eligible bond funding is spent responsibly and according to voter intent.
Habitat believes in Prop 5 as a way to leverage the power of local voices to address the housing crisis, and to unlock critical resources that drive the work that we do.
Now is the time to make your voice heard.
Housing is on the ballot in a variety of ways. You may see measures on your ballot related to renter protections, services for the unhoused, and others. They are a clear indication that, as always, housing is top of mind for Bay Area voters and for communities up and down the state. I hope you'll do your due diligence and get engaged in this election.
Beyond this election, we'll be working hard to reinstate funding for CalHome, which was zeroed out in the budget this year – decimating the single state program that funds the production of affordable ownership housing.
Want to stay engaged in the fight for CalHome and other advocacy efforts? Sign up for Advocacy Alerts so you'll be the first to know when there's an opportunity to voice your support.

Thank you for using your voice to help Habitat build more.
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