Advocate

Advocacy at Habitat for Humanity of Sonoma County

Affordable homes are in short supply, and housing costs are straining families across Sonoma County.

Habitat for Humanity of Sonoma County advocates locally, statewide, and federally to expand access to safe, affordable homeownership and build stronger communities.

Why It Matters:

14,083

Low-income renter households in Sonoma County lack access to affordable homes*

70%

of extremely low-income households spend more than half their income on housing*

These challenges drive our advocacy and shape our solutions.

*Based on the 2025 Affordable Housing Needs Report

Our Advocacy Priorities

Homes

  • Build More Affordable Homes for Sale

    Families need more homes they can actually afford. We advocate for:

    • Increased local and state funding for land, construction, and preservation
    • Funding dedicated to affordable homeownership
    • Reliable, long-term funding to plan and build for the future
    • Investments that support communities most impacted by the housing crisis

People

  • Equitable Access to Homeownership

    Homeownership gives families stability, health, and financial security. To make it achievable, we support:

    • Down payment and mortgage assistance, financial education, and ongoing housing support services
    • Targeted efforts to close the homeownership gap for communities of color
    • Property tax relief and resources for critical home repairs

Land

  • Inclusive Land Use

    Land policies shape who can call Sonoma County home. We advocate for:

    • Mixed-income neighborhoods near jobs, schools, parks, and transit
    • Reduce costs, reform zoning, and simplify approvals and permitting to expand affordable housing
    • Policies that encourage “missing middle” housing (condos, townhouses, duplexes, ADUS)
    • Creative use of vacant, underutilized, and publicly owned land

Community

  • Thriving and Diverse Neighborhoods

    Housing instability threatens diversity and connection. We support:

    • Affordable homes in all shapes and sizes – from homeownership for sale, rental, multigenerational, and accessible housing
    • Investments to stabilize neighborhoods and prevent displacement
    • Community-centered approaches that uplift historically marginalized voices

Take Action

Join the movement to make affordable homeownership a reality in Sonoma County.

Sign up for our e-newsletter or donate today to help families build strength, stability, and self-reliance.

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Read about Habitat for Humanity International’s Advocacy policies and current campaigns