Build-Educate-ADVOCATE
Essential Homeownership Incentive Program (EHIP)
Our current focus is municipal incentives – specifically fast-tracking city plan review and fee waivers. Presently the city plan review process is an arduous process. Expediting the review process would allow homebuilders to start development faster and put homes on the ground quicker. Likewise, if we can get municipalities to waive fees as allowed by Texas law for any homebuilder selling to homebuyers at or below 80% of the area median income, then we can increase the supply of homes with accessible mortgages for our essential homeowners.
More than ever before Trinity Habitat for Humanity needs our friends to stand up for Homeownership for essential workers in our local economy.
Sign your Name in Support of our HomeBase Essential Homeownership Initiative
Join us in advocating for solutions that expand opportunities for workforce homeownership. The Essential Homeownership Incentive Program (EHIP) focuses on incentives for land developers and home builders to include workforce housing in their projects:
Fast-tracked plan review and approvals to streamline development timelines.
Significant municipal fee reductions for builders providing homes to families earning 80% or less of the area median income.
By supporting EHIP, you’re helping to create pathways to homeownership for the essential workers who keep our communities strong.
By providing your information, you consent to Trinity Habitat for Humanity (THFH) using your name and demographic details in print and multimedia platforms to support the THFH HomeBase Initiative. Examples of use include, but are not limited to, presenting a list to City Council members, sharing on social media, and other advocacy-related communications. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us at 817-926-9219.
-
The cost of housing (homeownership & rental) is the primary driver of homelessness!
Homeownership improves school performance and a child's educational outcomes.
Homeownership builds wealth and stability for families.
-
Improves Employee Retention. The lack of affordable homeownership increases employee turnover. Turnover costs amount to $12,000 each instance!
Homeownership stabilizes families allowing them to thrive, creating a more reliable workforce.
Public acknowledgment by Trinity Habitat that you/your organization support your essential workforce, schools, and community in general.
HomeBase Support Benefits:
Update: Jan 21st @ 3:55 p.m.
If you are experiencing technical difficulties filling out this form, please email Liz Jackson, Liz.Jackson@trinityhabitat.org with your name, city, state and logo, if necessary. We will ensure your information is manually added to our signature list. Thank you in advance for your patience.
Why Advocate?
Between 2019 and 2023 Median Home Prices have risen 40% in Texas.
Homeowner’s Insurance Rates rose 11.8%
Following the 2008 Crisis, Texas is Number 1 in building permits across the country.
Between 2017-2024 there was a 700% increase in Fort Worth infill lot prices.
Unaffordable!
We have reached a crisis of affordability in our community.
Tarrant County:
Median Home Value $338,000
Income Required to Purchase Median Priced Home $110,000
Area Median Income (AMI) $73,350 (for a family of 3)
The gap from Median Income to Income Required to purchase the Median Priced home is rapidly growing!
Who is Impacted?
FWISD Teachers
make $69,025 at year 15
FW Firefighters
make $63,634
General retail, food prep, etc jobs
make $31,200 to $41,600 based on $15-$20/hour
FW Police Officers
make $64,807
FW Nurses
make $86,964
Advocacy = Action
Advocacy = Action
How to Advocate
Help us fight the good fight.
SMALL STEPS
When you speak of the work of Habitat do the following –
Point out that Habitat = Homeownership
Habitat = Independence and self-reliance
Habitat = Empowerment
Avoid the use of the following language:
Housing
Low income
Worth or deserving poor
Affordable - Affordable” and/or “affordable housing” have taken on a significantly negative connotation.
Adopt the use of the following language:
Attainable homeownership
Workforce homeownership
Homeownership for Essential Workers
MEDIUM STEPS
Sign up to participate in email blasts about
local, state, and national items effecting homeownership for the
workforce demographic (60-120% Area Median Income).
If we email that we have an important item on a specific agenda and we send you an email, please follow up to email your city council member, or appropriate legislator.
LARGE STEPS
Testify when needed:
If we are standing for or against an item at city council or state legislative body be willing to testify of your support of Habitat and the item on the agenda.
If we are collecting signatures be willing to sign the document supporting Habitat and/or our stance on an item.
Exercise your personal influence –
Do you have a personal relationship with a state representative and/or senator in Austin or Washington D.C.? If yes, are you willing to leverage that relationship on behalf of (in support of) Habitat? All you have to do is arrange for a meeting for Gage and Michelle and attend with us.
Resources
-
Resources: Teachers – Fort Worth Independent School District website
Fort Worth Police officer – average per Indeed.com
Fort Worth Nurse – average per Indeed.com
-
https://www.fortworthtexas.gov/departments/neighborhoods
-
https://www.fortworthtexas.gov/departments/neighborhoods
Sign Up For HomeBase Updates
Endorsements
