LINCOLN, Nebraska – Habitat for Humanity Nebraska affiliates and their housing partners will join forces with supporters, including Nebraska State Senators, to advocate for affordable housing during the Homeownership Matters rally on Thursday, March 27, in the Nebraska State Capitol Rotunda.
The rally, which will begin at 10:45 a.m., will highlight the importance of statewide initiatives focused on rural and urban affordable housing and the profound impact homeownership can have on individuals and communities.
“Homeownership is more than just a roof over one’s head – it’s a pathway to opportunity, stability, and health,” said Amanda Brewer, CEO of Habitat for Humanity of Omaha. “Habitat for Humanity of Nebraska affiliates are committed to advocating for policies that make homeownership attainable for all Nebraskans. By working together with lenders, real estate agents, housing partners and lawmakers, we can help build stronger communities and create lasting change for families across our state.”
In addition to new homes, preserving the state’s current housing stock is critical.
“Front Porch Investments’ Greenlining Fund is designed to reverse disinvestment patterns through intentional homeownership investments in formerly redlined areas,” said Eva Roberts, director of operations and impact for Front Porch Investments. “Through partially forgivable home repair loans, no-cost home repairs, and property tax relief, the Greenlining Fund is helping families stay in their homes and communities and build generational wealth.”
As Nebraska looks toward its future, the importance of stable and accessible housing cannot be overstated.
“Stable and affordable housing is the cornerstone of Nebraska’s future – empowering families, fueling economic growth and fostering vibrant communities that drive our long-term success and prosperity,” said Carol Nelson Bodeen, director of policy and outreach for the Nebraska Housing Developers Association.
“FNBO is proud to offer community support that goes beyond financial services. We prioritize initiatives around affordable housing, which we believe create a stable foundation for individuals and families to grow and thrive,” said Christina Kahler, managing director of marketing and philanthropy for FNBO. “Partnering with organizations like Habitat for Humanity of Nebraska, we are confident we can significantly impact community development and be a partner in long-term transformation and growth for Nebraska.”
Those speaking at the rally include Sen. John Arch, speaker of the Legislature; Bryan Slone, Nebraska Chamber of Commerce president; banking partner Chris Conrad of Pinnacle Bank; Habitat CEO Amanda Brewer; Habitat homeowner Autumn Austin of Blair; and home repair client Mitzi Johnson of Omaha.
On Wednesday, March 26, housing advocates, including Sens. John Cavanaugh and Bob Dover, will hold a panel discussion on how affordable housing impacts their districts and our state. Nebraska Realty agent Angel Starks will share insights on the housing market trends throughout the state.
Habitat Nebraska affiliates will also present Sen. Eliot Bostar with a Housing Champion Award for his work on a bill passed during the 2024 legislative session that allows homeowners who have a declarative long-term affordability covenant to pay property taxes on the lower of the resale value or the assessor's valuation.
About Habitat for Humanity in Nebraska
Habitat for Humanity is a global nonprofit housing organization with more than 1,400 affiliates across the United States, including 12 affiliates serving communities throughout Nebraska. State affiliates include Habitat for Humanity of Box Butte County, Scotts Bluff County Habitat for Humanity, North Platte Area Habitat for Humanity, Southwest Nebraska Habitat for Humanity, Kearney Area Habitat for Humanity, Grand Island Area Habitat for Humanity, Habitat for Humanity of Columbus, Hastings Area Habitat for Humanity, Habitat for Humanity of Gage County, Habitat for Humanity of Lincoln, Fremont Area Habitat for Humanity, and Habitat for Humanity of Omaha.
Together, these affiliates make a powerful impact on families and communities by improving health, environmental and educational outcomes, strengthening civic and social engagement, and fostering financial stability for Habitat homeowners. In 2019 alone, the economic impact of Nebraska’s Habitat affiliates exceeded $38.1 million, with more than $1.2 million contributed in local and state taxes. Through affordable homeownership, Habitat for Humanity continues to build strength, stability, and self-reliance across Nebraska.
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