Habitat for Humanity partners with Planned Parenthood

Zoning ordinances prevented Planned Parenthood from opening an abortion clinic in the Rosemary district of Sarasota, Fla. They did, that is, until Habitat for Humanity's Sarasota affiliate stepped in to help out.

By agreeing to purchase Planned Parenthood's land for $10 and build housing on a portion of it, Habitat for Humanity enabled Planned Parenthood to bypass a city requirement that had been preventing the organization from obtaining an occupancy permit.

Planned Parenthood's dilemma stemmed from city ordinances that required a multifamily "liner" building be constructed at the back of the property before Planned Parenthood could open a clinic at the front. The organization had been unable to secure a builder to meet the requirement…until they found Habitat for Humanity.

Representatives of both Planned Parenthood and Habitat for Humanity Sarasota attended the May 5th Sarasota City Commission meeting to present their plan for appeasing the zoning laws: Habitat would receive the property at almost no cost; the city would get its multifamily liner building; and Planned Parenthood would be allowed to open its facility.

The Commission approved the plan by a vote of 3-2.

Habitat for Humanity, a nonprofit, ecumenical Christian housing ministry founded in 1976, has built and rehabilitated more than 250,000 houses around the world for families in need. Planned Parenthood is the nation's largest abortion provider. To some, they would seem odd partners.

Jim Sedlak, vice-president of the American Life League, criticized the partnership in a news release, quoting Habitat for Humanity's goals of providing a “simple, decent, affordable place to live in dignity and safety” for everyone. “I don’t see how building a residence next to an organization that kills babies, pushes pornography and covers up for rapists gives a family dignity or safety," he said.

A representative of Habitat for Humanity responded in an email to one detractor that "while this donation of land from Planned Parenthood is unusual, it is common for Habitat affiliates to receive donations of land and materials from local community businesses, organizations and governments."

The representative further stated that the partnership in Sarasota was undertaken by the local affiliate and not by the organization as a whole. "Habitat for Humanity International was recently alerted to this particular donation of land and is in touch with Habitat for Humanity of Sarasota over your concerns," he wrote.