Justice United countywide leaders meeting.

Orange County Justice United (OCJU) leaders secured a commitment from Habitat for Humanity to work together to raise $2 million in public and private funds, so that households earning 30-50% of the area median income (approx. $33,000-$45,000) can become homeowners. 

Habitat will reserve up to one-quarter of the homes in their newest development for this income level for "deep affordability." If this pilot is successful, Habitat will replicate the model in future developments, and introduce it to Habitat International.

This win resulted from two years of persistent organizing, primarily led by OCJU clergy. Justice United Co-Chair Rev. Tony Boss raised the issue after learning that the Habitat development planned near his church would have set high sales prices preventing the majority of his members from even applying. The campaign offers a new answer to the growing problem of even "affordable" housing developers pricing homeownership increasingly out of reach for many essential workers, and disproportionately blocking African-American residents from applying. Justice United leaders strategically increased tension to bring Habitat to the table, to ensure that these residents still have a chance at homeownership. Strategies included a 405-person action calling on County Commissioner candidates to invest in deeply affordable housing to address Habitat's rising prices, as well an Op-Ed co-written by clergy whose churches are top Habitat funders. 

See Also:  Justice United Challenges Candidates on Property Taxes & Affordable Housing

Action with County Commissioners