WHEREAS, Habitat for Humanity is a global movement bringing people together to build strength, stability, and self-reliance through shelter, and serves communities in the United States and more than 70 countries around the world; and

WHEREAS, Habitat for Humanity creates a world of inclusion and community where every family has the opportunity to achieve the strength, stability, and self-reliance that comes with homeownership; and

WHEREAS, Habitat for Humanity Seattle-King and Kittitas Counties has been transforming lives and strengthening communities across the region since its founding in 1986 and will celebrate its 40th anniversary in 2026; and

WHEREAS, Habitat for Humanity Seattle-King and Kittitas Counties has constructed or renovated 458 homes and completed 650 home repairs, serving more than 2,700 individuals and families, including essential workers like educators, health care professionals, bus drivers, and social workers; and

WHEREAS, Habitat for Humanity Seattle-King and Kittitas Counties has advocated for 87 landmark housing policies resulting in $4.35 billion in public funding for affordable housing, improving the lives of more than 2.2 million people across Washington state; and

WHEREAS, Habitat for Humanity Seattle-King and Kittitas Counties has mobilized over 600,000 hours of volunteer support, demonstrating the power of community commitment to solving the housing crisis; and

WHEREAS, Habitat for Humanity Seattle-King and Kittitas Counties provides permanently affordable homeownership at approximately 50 percent of market rates, with 76 percent of initial homeowners still living in their Habitat homes an average of 14 years later; and

WHEREAS, Habitat for Humanity Seattle-King and Kittitas Counties generates $670 million in economic activity and creates 5,700 jobs across Washington state, with every dollar invested producing more than twice its value as it circulates through the economy; and

WHEREAS, Habitat for Humanity Seattle-King and Kittitas Counties' stores have diverted more than 25,000 tons of goods from landfills while generating critical revenue to fund home building and repair programs; and

WHEREAS, Habitat for Humanity Seattle-King and Kittitas Counties is poised to serve approximately 200 families each year by 2028-2029; and

WHEREAS, Habitat for Humanity Seattle-King and Kittitas Counties is a lifeline for working families who have been priced out of stability; transforming lives, building confidence, and creating communities that stand for housing justice and economic opportunity;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Washington state Senate celebrate the 40th anniversary of Habitat for Humanity Seattle-King and Kittitas Counties and the impact it has had on the lives of thousands of families, volunteers, and the greater community over the course of its four decade history; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the organization continues to build on its legacy as it shapes a future of greater impact and inclusion in its next 40 years, one where every working family has access to the stability and opportunity that comes with affordable homeownership.