York Habitat for Humanity brings fight for affordable housing to state Capitol

In May, the agency joined affiliates from across Pennsylvania at the annual Habitat on Harrisburg event to urge legislators to prioritize policies and funding for homeownership. 

At least half of each paycheck goes directly to paying for housing for one in eight Pennsylvanians. This is especially true for those with the lowest incomes. Natasha Kukorlo, Executive Director of York Habitat for Humanity, is on a mission to change that and make homeownership more affordable for York County’s low-income first-time homebuyers.  

Natasha traveled with her team to the state Capitol in May to speak with legislators about the pressing housing challenges that York County residents face during the annual Habitat on Harrisburg event. They went with three key objectives to help remove barriers to affordable housing: obtaining funding for critical home repairs, reforming zoning laws, and designating more money specifically for affordable homeownership, not rentals.  
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“We love attending this event,” Natasha says. “It’s obviously always wonderful to be around like-minded people who are as passionate about affordable housing as we are at the York Habitat affiliate.”  ​

Fixing, zoning, and owning

This year, York Habitat’s primary request was an increase in funding for essential home repairs. While York Habitat does not currently operate a repair program, it recognizes the critical importance of such funding to the success of other Habitat affiliates that do. In the past, York County kept the application window for the state-funded repair program open for only a short time when funds became available. The program was almost immediately overwhelmed with applications.
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“I hope more of our state representatives will prioritize funding for the development of affordable homeownership opportunities and demonstrate a genuine commitment to preserving existing homes in need of repair,” Natasha states. “The most cost-effective home is often the one a family already occupies. While new construction has its place, maintaining and improving existing housing is equally vital.” 

Beyond home repairs, zoning restrictions were a major talking point for Natasha and her team. York Habitat has been offered land that it could not build on because it was zoned commercial or for mixed use. Through zoning reform, Natasha hopes to remove those restrictions.  

Her final focus was the need for funding specific to homeownership. Much of affordable-housing money is geared toward affordable rentals, not homeownership.  

“Affordable rental housing is undoubtedly essential, but so is access to affordable homeownership—the core mission of Habitat,” she says.   

‘Housing affects everything’

York Habitat for Humanity was one of 14 state Habitat affiliates whose members filled the state Capitol during Habitat on Harrisburg. They met with more than 70 legislators to share the message and vision of accessible and affordable homeownership. Natasha and her team sat down with Rep. Carol Hill-Evans of York County’s 95th District to discuss current projects and upcoming objectives.   

“I believe the impact was greater because so many of us were present,” Natasha remarks about the gathering. “This is our daily reality, and it’s our voices that have the power to create meaningful change.” 

She notes that while it is important for legislators to get behind these initiatives, support bills related to affordable housing, and attend ribbon cuttings, it’s the boots on the ground every day that will bring the policies to life.  
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“Housing influences every aspect of life,” Natasha explains. “It impacts the health and educational outcomes of future generations. There is virtually nothing in one’s life that isn’t improved by having a safe and stable home.”