Why Home Matters
Habitat for Humanity is about transformation. We transform the lives of families in need of shelter. We transform the hearts of those who help provide it. We transform entire communities because proper housing promotes healthy families and secure and stable communities.
The cascading effects are far-reaching and transformational. Scroll down to learn more about the benefits of affordable homeownership and how Habitat for Humanity is working toward a world where everyone has a decent, affordable place to call home.
What are the benefits of homeownership?
Improving affordable homeownership leads to:
- Greater economic stability.
- Access to quality education.
- Increased civic and social engagement
- Better health.
- Reduced environmental footprint.
Learn about these outcomes and how Habitat for Humanity of Island County is helping families thrive. Read the full report.
Who has access to homeownership?
Home prices are increasing rapidly but household incomes have not kept pace, putting homeownership out of reach for many. Habitat advocates for public policies on land acquisition, use and development to lower the cost of homebuilding, and prices Habitat homes at fair market value to reflect prevailing market conditions. Learn more about how Habitat is removing barriers to accessible homeownership in Island County and beyond.
Read the complete report here: Access to Homeownership
How does housing affect health?
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control has identified housing as a social determinant of health, highlighting the link between where people live and their health. People with low incomes, however, must often choose between a healthy home that meets a basic standard and one that they can afford. This evidence brief is a great reminder of why affordable housing and repair programs, like the ones offered by Habitat for Humanity of Island County are so critical to the health and well-being of individuals and communities.
Read the evidence brief to learn more: How does housing affect health?
How does housing affect education?
Residential instability affects educational outcomes across all stages of childhood. Children from households with low incomes who move more than once in the early elementary years experience negative reading and math achievement that have long-lasting effects. #HabitatforHumanity helps families by providing stable home environments that raise young children’s math and reading test scores.
Find out more: How does housing affect children’s education
How does homeownership contribute to wealth building?
Low-income households and households of color have limited access to homeownership due to barriers that include limited supply of affordable housing, restricted access to credit and systematic inequities. This evidence brief is a great reminder of why affordable housing and financial education programs, like the ones offered by Habitat for Humanity of Island County, are so critical to the long-term economic success of individuals and communities.
How do racial inequities limit homeownership opportunities?
Black and Hispanic/Latino households face unique barriers to homeownership that prevent access to the beneficial outcomes associated with homeownership, such as wealth building, improved health and higher educational attainment. Historically, structural and institutional obstacles faced by racial and ethnic minorities compounded over time to produce these inequities.
Find out more: Evidence Brief: How do racial inequities limit homeownership opportunities?
Help make affordable homeownership available to more families.
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