Alabama Habitat for Humanity hosts regional leaders to advance affordable housing

Alabama Habitat for Humanity joined forces with Auburn University’s Rural Studio and The Front Porch Initiative in Newbern in September to address energy efficiency for affordable, sustainable and resilient housing.

The collaborative effort, supported by Carrier Global Corporation, brought Habitat affiliate leaders, construction professionals, statewide partners, industry experts and housing advocates from across five states together for the Resilient by Design & Optimized for Efficiency Convening.

Leaders from the Habitat for Humanity network attended, including Carmen Smith, vice president of U.S. Affiliate Services for Habitat for Humanity International, and Alabama House Rep. Curtis Travis, alongside utility partners, nonprofit organizations and experts in resilient construction, solar energy and community development. The leaders discussed how affordable housing can be strengthened through innovative building practices, strategic partnerships and long-term investments in resilience.

Anita Archie, Alabama Power Southern Division area manager, was the moderator. Panel speakers included Alabama Power employees Chad Garretson (marketing specialist) and Chase Burnham (project manager), alongside Candyce Monroe, head of learning programs at Ed Farm.

“We were excited to take part in this important conversation,” Archie said. “Our panel discussion featured Resilience Starts at Home: Weatherization, Energy Use & the Power of Partnership. The panel discussion began with the understanding of how a house uses energy and where energy is being lost. The session explored how weatherization, practical customer tools, and community-based education can help families reduce wasted energy, improve comfort and better manage monthly bills. Additionally, the panel highlighted the company’s work with the Alabama Resiliency Fund, Alabama Digital Education Network (ADEN) and trusted local partners in the Black Belt, and how that partnership model can inform broader statewide collaboration.”

Jeff Heie, founder of GiveSolar, presented Enhancing Housing Affordability through Solar Energy, demonstrating how solar solutions lower energy burdens for low-income homeowners while boosting resilience and sustainability. Attendees learned about successful projects, strategies for overcoming policy and financial barriers and opportunities for Habitat affiliates and community partners to expand access to solar energy.

Candace Wheat, technical outreach specialist with Smart Home America, continued themes of resilient building. Wheat presented on FORTIFIED Standards: Beyond Code Construction Benefits. Attendees learned about resilient construction practices, building codes and the FORTIFIED Roof, Silver and Gold designations. The session demonstrated how building beyond code can help homeowners reduce storm-related damage, lower repair costs and potentially qualify for insurance premium savings while creating stronger and more resilient homes.

Molly Berg, sustainable building director for Habitat for Humanity of Minnesota, led the Motive and Method: Climate Resilient Construction as Affordability session. Berg emphasized that climate-resilient construction is not a luxury but a critical component of long-term housing affordability and equity. Her presentation explored practical approaches to creating energy-efficient, hazard-resilient and healthy homes while also strengthening the sustainability of construction and repair programs for future generations.

Carmen Smith concluded the convening with the “Common Barriers & Creative Bridges: The Road to Promising Practices” session. The conversation brought together Jeff Heie, Candace Wheat, Molly Berg, and Mackenzie Stagg of Rural Studio and The Front Porch Initiative, as well as Brandon Kasteler from Habitat for Humanity of Tuscaloosa. The panel explored common challenges facing affordable housing providers and identified collaborative strategies for advancing resilience, advocacy, sustainability and housing affordability in diverse communities.

Brandon Dixon, executive director of Alabama Habitat, emphasized the connection between sustainability and cost:

“Resilient and affordable housing goes hand in hand,” Dixon said. “The ideas, partnerships, and practical solutions shared during this convening will help Habitat affiliates strengthen their ability to serve families while reducing long-term housing costs and improving community resilience.”

Alabama Habitat serves as the statewide support organization for 21 Habitat for Humanity affiliates serving 38 counties across Alabama. Through resource development, training and technical assistance, disaster response, advocacy and partnership development, Alabama Habitat helps affiliates expand their impact and increase access to safe, affordable housing opportunities throughout the state.

To learn more about weatherization and energy efficiency, visit the Alabama Power website.

Portions of this story were provided by Habitat for Humanity.