Why St. Croix Valley Habitat for Humanity went to Washington D.C.

On Wednesday, Feb. 7, St. Croix Valley Habitat for Humanity Executive Director Kristie Smith joined more than 400 representatives from Habitat affiliates across the country in Washington, D.C. to urge legislators to take action on the affordable housing crisis. 

“Housing is out of reach for many in our communities,” Smith said. “In Hudson, the median home sales price was $575,000 in December 2023 … Housing should be accessible and affordable for everyone in our neighborhoods.”

Habitat is pressing legislators to fully fund the USDA 502 Loan program, Self-Help Homeownership Opportunity Program (SHOP) HOME Investment Partnerships Program and the bipartisan Neighborhood Homes Investment Act to bring more federal dollars to rural and exurban communities. 

SCVHFH makes use of the Department of Agriculture’s USDA Section 502 Direct Loan Program to help keep mortgages affordable and accessible in Pierce & St. Croix Counties. Strengthening the lending supply to help with downpayment assistance can provide paths to home ownership for low-income families living in rural communities.

According to data released by the National Low Income Housing Corporation and UShousingdata.com in 2023, Wisconsin had a shortage of 56,806 homes relative to demand. Simultaneously, the income needed to purchase a median-priced home in Wisconsin was $59,157 – up more than $10,000. The Fair Market Rent for a 2-bedroom apartment in Pierce and St. Croix Counties where SCVHFH serves was $1,622/month, the most expensive in the state and 61% higher than the Wisconsin average.

“I had the chance to speak in person with U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin and U.S. Congressman Derrick Van Orden,” Smith said. “Senator Baldwin talked about her work on the Affordable Housing and Home Ownership Protection Act, which she introduced into congress at the end of January.  The Act would provide funding to build and preserve approximately 3 million affordable housing units nationally and would be paid for by taxing investors who are driving up costs and lowering supply.”

Smith did not leave D.C. empty-handed. Both Baldwin and Van Orden expressed interest in rolling up their sleeves and contributing some sweat equity to a Habitat build sometime this Spring.  

During Smith’s visit to Washington, the Urban Institute presented speakers and a panel discussion on land use,  zoning reform, the positive impact of increased permitting for housing density and unique design, equitable access to housing, and their ties to affordable housing.

You can view those presentations here: urban.org/events/zoning-reforms-improve-access-housing-all-evidence-and-lessons-advocates

St. Croix Valley Habitat for Humanity helps families with safe, affordable housing.During its tenure, SCV Habitat for Humanity has partnered with more than eighty-four families in Pierce and St. Croix Counties to help achieve the goal of home ownership. Visit scvhabitat.org for homeowner and volunteer information and to support the mission to help families on the path to generational wealth.