On 50th anniversary of Fair Housing Act, Habitat CEO called for focus on breaking down barriers to decent and affordable homes in America.

ATLANTA (April 11, 2018) – Marking 50 years since the enactment of the Fair Housing Act, Habitat for Humanity International CEO Jonathan Reckford issued the following statement:

“The landmark Fair Housing Act put an end to despicable forms of discrimination that put up barriers to millions of Americans who were seeking better lives for their families,” Reckford said. “But no one should be satisfied that the progress brought by the Fair Housing Act solved fair housing in America. Far too many millions of Americans still face enormous barriers to decent and affordable housing.

“Getting to a fair housing future won’t happen on its own. As we reflect on the 50 years since Dr. King’s assassination and the signing of the Fair Housing Act, we must rededicate ourselves to the work of breaking down those barriers and building Dr. King’s vision of the Beloved Community.

“Habitat for Humanity was founded on a fierce commitment to the equality of all people and a devotion to creating opportunity for all. For more than 40 years, Habitat has been committed to a future where everyone has a decent place to live. We do this work with eyes wide open about the obstacles and in partnership with those who seek to overcome them.”

To mark the anniversary of the Fair Housing Act, Habitat for Humanity held a series of discussions regarding the state of fair housing in the United States. These discussions – including those with Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti, fair housing advocates, leading housing policy expert Dr. Richard Rothstein and others – are available at www.habitat.org/fairhousing.

In recognition of the 50th anniversaries of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s assassination and the signing of the Fair Housing Act, Habitat partnered with the King Center in a national Beloved Community initiative. Through the initiative, local Habitat organizations across the nation have undertaken projects in their communities, including the construction of new affordable homes, critical home repairs and neighborhood revitalization work.

Habitat for Humanity invites others to join in pledging to help build the Beloved Community. Read more about why Habitat is propelling this cause in an essay by Jonathan Reckford and Tjada McKenna, Chief Operating Officer. Visit habitat.org/takethepledge to learn more and follow #BelovedCommunity to join the conversation.