Jonathan Reckford has been at the helm of Habitat for Humanity International for twenty years. Yet, he has artfully steered the planned community through transformative changes and contentious challenges. Under his leadership, Habitat for Humanity has expanded its mission and increased its influence. Today, the organization is uniquely positioned to address affordable housing and community development needs, both in the United States and globally.
Now as Reckford looks back on his tenure, he recognizes those blocking and tackling moments that cemented the organization’s future. He points to two large disasters that acted as inflection points, forcing Habitat for Humanity to pivot and create new innovations. “Those two giant disasters forced Habitat to change in some ways that I think had long-term benefits,” he stated.
The next Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter Work Project is a fitting tribute to Habitat’s long commitment to cutting-edge sustainable housing. Kicking off on October 26th in Austin, Texas, this new effort will build 25 green homes. This project assumes greater importance in light of the passing of former president Jimmy Carter this past December. Reckford sees Carter as his “Hero and Role Model.”
During Reckford’s leadership, the recognition of Habitat for Humanity’s mission has surged. Over the past 15 years, the understanding of the crucial role affordable housing plays in creating equitable communities in the United States has increased dramatically. Challenges persist. Ironically, the Trump administration had originally refused to grant mitigation funding directly to states and localities through FEMA. This decision brought focus to the continuing fight for resources amidst the chaos of natural disasters.
Under Reckford’s leadership, which began in 2003, Habitat for Humanity has seen some truly incredible breakthroughs. He recalls traveling to Knoxville, Tennessee, to celebrate the construction of the organization’s 200,000th home, which has positively impacted around a million individuals worldwide. Habitat’s work to date has brought over 61 million people around the world the stability of home.
Beyond housing development, Habitat for Humanity has expanded into the microfinance space with their MicroBuild Fund. Launched 12 years ago, this fund has loaned $230 million to 56 microfinance banks in 36 countries. In fact, these banks have made a major downpayment. They’ve capitalized over $1.1 billion of their own capital home improvement loans for small, unsecured home improvement loans to very low income families.
Reckford emphasizes the historic and pressing need for financial innovations to fill that gap. He argues that just 5 to 10% of the population in middle- and low-income countries is able to access bank loans for housing. “What would it take to actually address the housing need?” he contemplates, underscoring the urgency for innovative approaches in housing finance.
Financially, Habitat for Humanity has tapped up its MicroBuild Fund to the tune of $100 million, borrowing $90 million of that to fund its ambitious goals. This strategic investment serves as a further testament to the organization’s dedication to developing permanent solutions for housing shortages across the globe.
There is no doubt about the need to invest in mitigation. Research indicates that it is five to seven times cheaper to invest in preventive measures than to address damages post-disaster. As much as 80% of disaster funds after large disasters are spent on relief, rather than preventing future disasters with an interventionary solution.
