HATC Celebrates Presidents’ Day
Our offices will be closed on February 16, 2026, in observance of Presidents’ Day.
Presidents' Day, while primarily a commemoration of U.S. leadership, holds significance for affordable housing by serving as a platform for housing authorities, non-profits (such as Habitat for Humanity), and government agencies to highlight the ongoing need for housing affordability and to honor historical presidential initiatives. It functions as a moment to bridge the values of leadership and community service with actionable goals, such as building, renovating, and advocating for safe, low-cost housing for families.
Key aspects of the relationship between Presidents Day and affordable housing include:
- Highlighting Historical Commitment: Organizations often use this day to recognize leaders like Franklin D. Roosevelt, who signed the Housing Act of 1937 to provide subsidies for public housing.
- Advocacy and Community Action: Housing authorities and, specifically, Habitat for Humanity affiliates, use this period to encourage volunteering and donations to support affordable housing construction.
- Focus on Ongoing Needs: The day acts as a reminder that safe, affordable housing is a cornerstone of a stable community, promoting the idea that public-private partnerships are necessary to overcome housing shortages.
- Reinforcing the Right to Housing: It emphasizes that housing is a basic right, with various organizations using the day to reflect on progress and advocate for greater access to, and equity in, affordable housing.
Presidents’ Day is an American holiday celebrated on the third Monday in February. This year it will take place on February 16th. The holiday was initially established in 1885 to recognize President George Washington. Now, it serves as a day to remember and celebrate all U.S. presidents, both past and present.
Presidents' Day, formally known as Washington's Birthday, dates back to the year 1800, following the death of President George Washington in 1799. His birthday, on February 22, became a significant day of remembrance. It is now a federal holiday in the United States, observed on the third Monday of February. It is a day to celebrate the nation's visionaries and leaders.
The holiday was formalized in 1879 to honor George Washington, and it was later moved to the third Monday in February as part of the Uniform Monday Holiday Act in 1968. This change aimed to provide workers with more three-day weekends marked by various activities, including historical education events, patriotic ceremonies, and retail sales.
Please note our offices will be closed on February 16, 2026, in observance of the President's Day. We will resume regular business hours on February 17, 2026.
