Habitat for Humanity Leaders Advocate for Affordable Housing in Washington

Greater Middlesex & Morris Habitat for Humanity representatives meet with Congressional leaders to address housing crisis.

Published on Mar. 6, 2026

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Greater Middlesex & Morris Habitat for Humanity (GMM Habitat) joined hundreds of Habitat for Humanity affiliates on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. for the annual Habitat on the Hill legislative conference. The group, including the CEO, directors, and homeowners, met with Congressional representatives to discuss solutions to the nationwide shortage of affordable starter homes and the housing affordability challenges faced by communities across America.

Why it matters

The lack of affordable starter homes impedes workers' access to job markets, holds back local economies, exacerbates wealth gaps, and keeps millions of would-be homebuyers in the rental market. As one of the leading builders of affordable housing in New Jersey, GMM Habitat is advocating for policy changes and increased funding to address these critical issues.

The details

During the Habitat on the Hill event, GMM Habitat representatives, including the CEO, directors, and three homeowners, met with staff members from the offices of Senators Thomas Kean Jr., Frank Pallone, Andy Kim, Cory Booker, and Congresswoman Bonnie Watson-Coleman. The group discussed actionable solutions to the housing affordability crisis and the need to increase the supply of affordable starter homes.

  • The Habitat on the Hill legislative conference was held from February 10-12, 2026.
  • This year marks the 20th Habitat on the Hill event, coinciding with Habitat for Humanity's 50th anniversary.

The players

Greater Middlesex & Morris Habitat for Humanity (GMM Habitat)

A local affiliate of the global nonprofit housing organization Habitat for Humanity International, committed to building homes, communities, and hope. GMM Habitat is one of the leading builders of affordable housing in New Jersey, serving 68 municipalities in Morris and Middlesex Counties and the greater Plainfield area.

Liz DeCoursey

The CEO of Greater Middlesex & Morris Habitat for Humanity.

Barbara Dunn

The Director of Advocacy and Global Engagement at Greater Middlesex & Morris Habitat for Humanity.

Loretta Rivers

The Director of Family Services at Greater Middlesex & Morris Habitat for Humanity.

Sarah Escamilla

The Administrative and Outreach Assistant at Greater Middlesex & Morris Habitat for Humanity.

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What they’re saying

“As the Habitat network raises its collective voice to call for national action, we know that change can start right here at home.”

— Liz DeCoursey, CEO, Greater Middlesex & Morris Habitat for Humanity (Patch.com)

“So much is at stake for low- and middle-class families in the Garden State who are in desperate need of safe, decent and affordable homes. We have more than 300 homes in our project pipeline in Middlesex and Morris Counties alone.”

— Liz DeCoursey, CEO, Greater Middlesex & Morris Habitat for Humanity (Patch.com)

What’s next

GMM Habitat continues to lobby New Jersey state lawmakers to fully restore the Affordable Housing Trust Fund to help address the housing affordability crisis in the state.

The takeaway

This advocacy effort by Greater Middlesex & Morris Habitat for Humanity highlights the critical need for increased affordable housing nationwide and the important role that local Habitat affiliates play in championing solutions to the housing crisis at the national and state levels.