May is Affordable Housing Month:

Affordable Housing Month: How Habitat for Humanity of Sonoma County is Building Change

Spring is in full bloom but May brings more than warmer days and longer evenings—it brings a critical opportunity to talk about something that impacts all of us: affordable housing.

May is Affordable Housing Month, and here in Sonoma County, it couldn’t be more relevant. The housing crisis isn’t a distant issue—it’s unfolding in our neighborhoods, affecting families, seniors, and essential workers who are being priced out of the community they help sustain.

The Challenge: Affordable Housing in our Community

In Sonoma County:

  • Over 45% of renters are considered severely cost-burden. Most renters experience difficulty paying rent nearly all months (8-12 months per year).
  • Aging housing stock and limited affordable options leave many residents living in unsafe or unstable conditions.

Behind these numbers are real people—parents working multiple jobs to keep a roof over their heads, seniors choosing between medication and repairs, and young adults struggling to stay near family and roots. It’s a quiet crisis with loud consequences.

What Habitat Somona County Is Doing—And Why It Works

At Habitat for Humanity of Sonoma County, we believe housing is more than a basic need—it’s the foundation for a better future. That’s why our work goes beyond building homes. We take a holistic, people-first approach to housing stability, anchored in partnership and community.

Here’s how we’re making a difference:

  • Homeownership: We build and renovate safe, affordable homes for families ready to take the next step toward stability.
  • Education & Support: We equip people with the tools to maintain long-term housing success through financial literacy workshops and homeowner education.
  • Advocacy: We champion policies that promote housing equity, protect renters, and expand access to affordable housing across the region.

This wraparound model makes our work sustainable. We’re not just constructing homes—we’re cultivating opportunity, resilience, and lasting change.

Why It Matters—for All of Us

Affordable housing doesn’t just change one life—it strengthens entire communities. When people have a stable, affordable place to live:

  • Children perform better in school.
  • Parents can focus on careers and family.
  • Health outcomes improve.
  • Neighborhoods become more connected and economically vibrant.

Housing stability opens the door to education, employment, and wellness. It lays the groundwork for individuals to thrive and for communities to grow stronger together.

How You Can Be Part of the Solution

You don’t need construction experience to make a difference. There are so many ways to get involved:

  • Donate to support affordable housing initiatives in your community.
  • Volunteer to help build secure homes in your community.
  • Shop at or donate to our ReStore to keep perfectly good items out of the landfills.
  • Raise awareness about the importance of affordable housing with your friends, family, and networks.
  • Advocate for policies that protect tenants and expand housing access.

Whether it’s your time, your voice, or your financial support, your involvement matters.

Let’s Build a More Equitable Future Together

Affordable Housing Month may only last 31 days, but the need for safe, stable housing continues daily. At Habitat Sonoma County, we believe everyone deserves a decent place to live—and with your help, we’re making that vision a reality.

Because home isn’t just where you live, it’s where life begins