House Votes to Fund Low-Cost World Housing Project
WASHINGTON — The House approved legislation Monday that would provide $25 million to Habitat for Humanity, the Georgia-based ecumenical organization that uses volunteer labor and donations to build low-cost housing around the world.
The legislation, if it becomes law, would be the first federal assistance to Habitat, which has built more than 35,000 homes in the United States and abroad since its inception in 1976.
The organization has gained international recognition in part because of its high-profile patrons. Former President Jimmy Carter has participated regularly over the last decade in Habitat building projects.
House Speaker Newt Gingrich (R-Ga.) also has worked on Habitat houses in Georgia and has promoted the organization as an example of non-government solutions to national problems. And President Clinton worked several days at a Habitat project during the 1992 campaign.
More to Read
Sign up for Essential California
The most important California stories and recommendations in your inbox every morning.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.