Habitat homeownership would not be possible without public sector investment. Federal funding is vital to Habitat projects and leverages a significant return on investment through private support from individual donors, congregations, foundations, and corporations. CDBG, USDA 502 Direct, and USDA Housing Preservation Grant are essential to Habitat’s success.
Because we see the impact of how federal dollars are used locally, across the state, and around the nation, we are also asking for support of a variety of programs in the FY2026 budget.
1. Fund the Self-Help Homeownership Opportunity Program (SHOP) at no less than $20 million.
SHOP is the only HUD grant program that provides funding exclusively for homeownership projects serving low-income families. Habitat affiliates use SHOP funds to purchase land and develop infrastructure. Through SHOP, Habitat Lake-Sumter will develop infrastructure, creating opportunities for 12 additional families to own a Habitat home. Locally, Habitat Lake-Sumter utilizes SHOP in addition to the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), and USDA Housing Preservation Grant (HPG).
2. Fund the Home Investment Partnerships Program (HOME) at no less than $1.5 billion.
3. Fund the USDA Section 502 Direct Loan Program at no less than $1.25 billion.
4. We are asking that CDBG maintain funding at $3.3 billion,
CDBG funds are used by local communities to partner with Habitat on building quality homes. Through the CDBG funding, we are building the Cottages at Heritage Grove, a 23-Unit, 55+ cottage community – our first age-restricted neighborhood.
5. We ask that USDA Housing Preservation Grant maintain funding at $10 million in FY2026,
This grant allowed Habitat Lake-Sumter to double critical home repairs to serve 40-50 households annually. Critical housing repair is vital to maintaining the affordable housing stock in rural communities.