April is Fair Housing Month and for many people across the U.S. and in our community, access to an affordable, attainable home remains out of reach. We know that a safe and affordable home has the power to transform the lives of families and is the cornerstone to strong communities. That is why this month we are joining Habitat affiliates nationwide in the Home is the Key campaign, Habitat for Humanity’s national awareness and fundraising campaign, to spotlight the critical need for equitable access to affordable housing. In 2024, home prices and interest rates raised the costs of homebuying to historic highs, pricing out millions of potential first-time buyers, slowing homeownership growth and exacerbating disparities in homeownership. Shelter is not a privilege — it’s a human need. Decent, affordable housing plays a key role in a family’s education, health, and well-being. Homeownership is a key driver of American household wealth. The recognition of fair housing began on April 11, 1968, days after the assassination of civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Congress passed the monumental Fair Housing Act to prohibit discrimination on the sale, rental and financing of housing based on race, religion, or nationality. The landmark bill gave potential homeowners — particularly Black Americans — hope that they could achieve the American Dream of purchasing and owning a home of their own. Many of the barriers that were meant to be dismantled with the passage of the Fair Housing Act remained in place. Deeply ingrained racism and discriminatory practices in lending and housing policy, including redlining and exclusionary zoning, prevented Black Americans from the opportunity to purchase an affordable home in communities where their families could grow and thrive. These inequities created a decades-long ripple effect that continues to impact Black families to this day. To learn more about the historical practices of redlining, watch this PBS documentary. Look for opportunities this month in our Smyrna ReStore to “round up” your purchase to help families build affordable housing in our community. Visit habitat.org/homeisthekey to learn more. (fb)

🏡💙 This #WorldHealthDay, our affiliate reaffirms our commitment to building safe, affordable homes—because a healthy home is the foundation of a healthy life. Decent housing reduces exposure to health hazards and provides stability for families to thrive. Studies show that stable, affordable housing can lead to fewer emergency room visits and better overall health outcomes. Join us in creating healthier communities through housing. #HealthBeginsAtHome #HabitatNWMA #BuildingHealth (fb)