Since 1984, Orange County Habitat has served more than 800 families through homeownership and critical repairs. Still, 29% of Orange County residents pay nearly a third of their monthly paycheck on their housing. That is unacceptable. The COVID-19 crisis made clear how important housing is to individual and community health. It has also been the least equitable economic crisis in American history with low-income and Black Americans bearing the brunt of the economic devastation and job loss. Across the county, millions of Americans face being evicted from their homes during a public health emergency.

This is why Orange Habitat advocates at the local, state, and federal levels for smart housing policy that promotes access to stable, affordable housing and builds communities where we all can thrive. Join us, and raise your voice alongside your hammer! 

Cost of Home Campaign

Nearly 19 million U.S. households today pay half or more of their income on a place to live. That means 1 in 6 families are denied the personal and economic stability that safe, decent and affordable housing provides. That means that 1 in 6 families are forced to make impossible choices. A safe home. Nutritious food on the table. Health care. Access to good schools. Reliable transportation. Which would you choose?

When the cost of home is your family’s future, the cost is too high. And when the cost of home is any family’s future, that’s something none of us can afford. That’s why we’re joining hundreds of Habitat for Humanity organizations across the country today to launch our first national advocacy campaign: Cost of Home. Take action to support the Cost of Home campaign by signing up for our advocacy interest list below, and together we can help make the #CostOfHome something we ALL can afford.

For more information on Habitat for Humanity International's efforts, visit https://www.habitat.org/costofhome. For more information on our local efforts, contact Alice at ajacoby@orangehabitat.org. 

Home is the Key Panel

In Fall 2019, we locally have started the conversation through a panel series which explores the broad implications of stable housing by focusing on three key interrelated outcomes: health, education, and economic mobility. This panel series will serve to educate community members about the benefits of affordable housing in Orange County by emphasizing the related social determinants that allow individuals and communities to thrive. See below for information on the upcoming panels or recordings of the previous panels.

Advocate with us


Habitat works at the local, state and national level to promote policies and resources that increase access to safe and stable housing. We need your voice to ensure that everyone can afford to call our community home! Join our advocates circle by entering your information below. We’ll send you periodic updates and action alerts with all the details you need to amplify your voice through actions like emailing a policy maker, signing a petition or attending a public meeting.  

For questions, or to get more involved with Habitat’s advocacy work contact Alice at ajacoby@orangehabitat.org.