I had the honor to attend Habitat on the Hill on February 11-13, 2025. More than 400 advocates from across the nation met to reflect on the principles that shaped Koinonia Farm and address critical homeownership barriers. Habitat supporters represented over 1,000 local and state affiliate organizations throughout the U.S., 70 national offices globally, homeowners, and volunteers dedicated to advancing safe, affordable housing, neighborhood revitalization, and hope.
It was a privilege to share my personal testimony on my birthday with legislators on the Hill, highlighting the profound impact and power of homeownership.
My journey began in homelessness, as my family moved between shelters until I was 12 years old. Growing up without stable housing, I knew firsthand the impact that homeownership could have on my family structure. In 2017, as a fresh graduate student moving to Cleveland with little money, that supported my two nieces at the time. I was determined to change this narrative. By December 2019, I had achieved that goal, becoming the first in my family to own a home. My mother followed, securing her home through CHN, and my sister became a homeowner with Habitat.
My home became a foundation of stability.
My home became a foundation of stability, enabling me to care for my nieces during a crucial period in their development. Securing housing at that critical moment enabled me to be a stable support system for them during a challenging time. My experience—along with many others in the Greater Cleveland area—highlights the power of homeownership in creating stronger, more resilient families and communities. It’s proof that with the right policies and programs, we can ensure more families achieve housing stability and security. View the photos by clicking here.
Habitat’s mission is global
For millions around the world, Habitat for Humanity serves as a beacon of hope, transforming lives by making safe, affordable housing a reality for over 62 million people across 70+ countries. At its core, Habitat’s vision is simple yet profound: to create a world where everyone has a decent place to live. This mission unites people from all walks of life to build homes, strengthen communities, and inspire optimism for the future.
The importance of affordable housing cannot be overstated. “It’s not just about having a roof over one’s head; it’s about stability, safety, health, and dignity. It’s about providing the foundation for individuals and families to thrive, communities to flourish, and economies to grow.” (Habitat for Humanity Dorchester website) The impact of homeownership extends far beyond the individual—it transforms entire communities and strengthens society. More details on these benefits can be explored on the Habitat for Humanity Ohio and the Dorchester websites.
Home is the foundation for better health, stronger job opportunities, and brighter futures.
As we stood on the Hill advocating for housing justice, we shared the positive and the stark reality with our legislators: today, record-high home prices have made homeownership unattainable for millions of Americans, both in urban and rural areas. In Ohio, for example, the median listing price surged from $137,958.8 in 2016 to $251,631.3 in 2023—an 82.4% increase. Habitat for Humanity remains committed to combating barriers through policy reform and systemic change, ensuring that safe, secure, and affordable housing is accessible to ALL.
Click here to explore the national ask and discover ways to take action in your local community. Similarly to the national level, Habitat for Humanity of Greater Cleveland’s impact extends far beyond bricks and mortar—it’s about transforming lives and breaking generational cycles of housing insecurity.
Real change begins with humanitarian love and courageous action
From local affiliates to national initiatives, the history of Koinonia Farm reminded us of how unity and collective action can challenge and dismantle systemic barriers. Koinonia Farm was a pioneering interracial community built on the principles of equality, shared resources, and environmental stewardship, challenging the racial and economic injustices of the Jim Crow era. Their unwavering commitment to fairness and sustainability laid the foundation for movements like Habitat for Humanity, reminding us that real change begins with humanitarian love and courageous action.
This legacy continues to drive the mission of the organization, which works relentlessly to provide affordable housing for those in need. As housing prices rise and homeownership becomes more out of reach, it is crucial that we strengthen our advocacy efforts. Now, more than ever, we must push for policies that ensure housing stability and tackle the systemic barriers preventing marginalized communities from owning homes. By carrying forward the work of Koinonia Farm, we can ensure everyone can own a home and build a better future. Together, we can create lasting change, one home at a time.
To explore Habitat’s rich history, click here or watch the documentary Briars in the Cotton Patch.
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