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.
Alexa, a Ryder & AkzoNobel clerk and single mother of two currently lives in a two-bedroom townhome. She dreams of providing her children with a home where they can grow up, make friends, and build lasting memories. Alexa grew up in an unstable environment, constantly moving from house to house. She is determined to break that cycle and give her kids the stability she never had. She also aspires to return to school to pursue a business degree and eventually pay it forward by helping others. Your dedication to our mission brings Alexa one step closer to achieving her dream of a more stable future for her family.
Arielle, an employee of Allied Universal Protection Services and a dedicated single mother, has also faced significant health challenges caring for her daughter Amora, who experienced seizures and a stroke at birth resulting in a difficult prognosis. Despite these obstacles, Arielle has worked tirelessly to provide for her daughter’s health and stable home. Frustrated by renting from landlords who don’t maintain properties and raise rent each year, Arielle seeks homeownership to create providing a lasting legacy for Amora. With a Habitat home, she can give her daughter a place to call her own.
Carlos, a Material Handler for Cummins Inc. and a devoted father of four children, currently lives in a boarding room, frequently moving from place to place. He dreams of providing his family with the stability he had growing up in his grandmother’s home. For Carlos, owning a home is more than just a place to live, it is about creating a legacy for his family, a place where his children and future generations can gather and make lifelong memories.
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
