Jonathan Reckford, CEO of Habitat for Humanity International, often jokes that before his current role, he struggled to hold down a job. Over the years, he has worn many hats: a financial analyst, an Olympic rowing coach, and a pastor, before stepping into the CEO position in 2005.
He never anticipated that disasters like the Indian Ocean tsunami and Hurricane Katrina would propel Habitat into expanding its outreach. “These events were turning points,” Reckford explains. They pushed Habitat to move from a grassroots model to addressing global housing challenges on a larger scale.
As he reflects on his leadership, Reckford notes the continuous lessons learned while preparing for the annual Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter Work Project in Austin, Texas. This project will build 25 sustainable homes and honors the legacy of President Carter, who passed away last December.
Reflecting on Recovery
When discussing recovery after disasters, Reckford emphasizes an important statistics: it is 5 to 7 times cheaper to invest in disaster prevention rather than repair after a crisis. After significant events, a staggering 80% of funding often goes to immediate relief, leaving little for long-term recovery. “The path to full recovery can take 10 to 15 years,” he says.
Changing Landscape of Support
Reckford voices concern over recent changes in Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) funding, noting that cuts in mitigation funds can hinder efforts to prepare for increasing extreme weather. As weather-related disasters become more common, the push for safer housing becomes critical. He believes that investing in fortified homes now can lead to lower insurance costs in the long run.
Achievements Over Two Decades
One moment Reckford cherishes is building Habitat’s 200,000th home, which marked a significant milestone in assisting nearly a million people. Since then, that number has grown to 61 million. He emphasizes a shift in focus: instead of asking how many homes can be built, they now ask what it takes to truly address the housing crisis.
Innovations in Housing Finance
Reckford also highlights the launch of the MicroBuild Fund, which provides loans for home improvements in low-income areas. With over $230 million loaned out to microfinance banks in 36 countries, they’ve seen impressive results, including repayment rates that rival small business loans. This initiative has proven that there’s a viable market for small home improvement loans.
The Growing Housing Crisis
Unfortunately, the gap between the need for affordable housing and what’s available is growing. Following the housing bubble burst, large builders recovered while small builders struggled, leading to a significant drop in new housing supply. Reckford believes we need a comprehensive approach to tackle this mounting issue.
The problem isn’t just political or economic—it’s personal. Many people today face a daunting reality when seeking affordable housing. As Reckford puts it, “We need an ‘all of the above’ strategy to make meaningful changes.”
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