As 2024 comes to a close, we want to take a moment to reflect on everything we’ve accomplished together this year. Thanks to your unwavering dedication, 135 families have experienced the transformative power of affordable housing through regional homeownership, repairs for seniors and Veterans, and partnerships in El Salvador and Kenya.
From breaking ground on our largest-ever 16-home development in Avon to surpassing our 3-year strategic plan goal to provide 300 housing solutions, this year has been one of incredible milestones. Together, we’ve helped families build strength, stability, and self-reliance.
135
housing
solutions
4
scholarship
recipients
31
Habitat University graduates
4,824
total
volunteers
A story of stability, redemption and a future he didn’t think possible
A story highlighting how homeownership can lead to better health
A story celebrating higher education at any age
Housing is important to the quality of life, health, and economic prosperity of the entire community. As housing availability shrinks and costs rise, families with limited incomes face increased housing instability.
Why homeownership?
Start with home and the rest will follow. Outcomes of homeownership.
Stability
Families with limited incomes face a daily, monthly struggle to meet their housing costs, while contending with a fear that an eviction, a rent hike, or simply an unanticipated expense will mean displacement.
Health
Inadequate housing impacts health, especially the health of children. After moving into Habitat homes, asthma and allergies are two conditions that dramatically improve in children.
Education
Stable, healthy housing is one of the most effective strategies for improving school performance in low-income children. In addition, over 70% of Habitat homeowners pursue or intend to pursue further education.
Economic Prosperity
A healthy housing market attracts businesses that depend on a range of housing options for their employees.
Transportation
When people can find good housing that they can afford near their work, it improves our transportation system by decreasing congestion and reducing commuting costs.
Environment
Habitat’s commitment to green building produces energy-efficient homes that are more affordable to maintain. Additionally, building housing near public transportation and thriving job centers results in diminished air pollution and congestion.
Faces of Habitat
Meet 3 families who recently completed classes through Habitat University and are on their way to achieving their dream of homeownership.
Brenda,
a Community Liaison at Firefly Children and Family Alliance, has spent the past few years living in rental properties where she and her two children have faced ongoing exposure to violence, mold, and infestations. She wants a home of her own where her family can feel safe and secure – one that meets her children’s needs like a basketball court for her daughter and a sensory room for her son.
Support for Habitat means empowering Brenda to take control of her living conditions and build a brighter future.
“Our home is where I’ll find the safety and comfort necessary for me to focus on completing my bachelor’s degree.”
Dakota,
a Remote Specialist for ADT Security Services, and Angel, a Qualified Medication Aide, are dedicated parents working hard to provide a stable future for their four children. For this, homeownership means creating stability for their family by breaking the cycle of constantly moving. It represents security, knowing their mortgage will be manageable, and freeing them from the worry of making it to the next month. Grateful for the opportunity to build a home where their family can grow and thrive, they appreciate the support that is helping them achieve this dream.
“As a father trying to provide for his family, I truly appreciate this opportunity.”
Denise
an administrative assistant at Stepin-StepUP Inc., is a proud grandmother to three girls. Faced with rising rent and the uncertainty of frequent moves, she longs for the stability of a permanent home where she can create lasting memories with her grandchildren. Denise is eager to personalize her space while gaining valuable skills in home management, budgeting for upgrades, and saving for her future. For Denise, your support for our mission will help her achieve the stability and permanence she’s been seeking in a Habitat home.
“I’m grateful for Habitat and the education program that will guide me through the homeowner process.”
By the numbers
Each quarter we will dive into a specific outcome of homeownership or a topic that is impacting affordable housing. This quarter we will focus on the current affordability gap:
1840
Number of families served locally and abroad
218
Number of homeowners paid off their mortgage
