Habitat for Humanity releases new homeowner wealth building research with Washington University in St. Louis
ATLANTA (June 16, 2026) — Habitat for Humanity International published new research from a multi-year evaluation in partnership with Washington University in St. Louis, comparing more than 2,000 Habitat homeowners with over 1 million similar households to understand how their financial paths have differed over time.
The study, released today, demonstrates how Habitat’s mortgage model, which combines affordability, preparation, servicing and sustained engagement, creates security for homebuyers. Key findings show that on average, homeowners enrolled in Habitat’s ongoing post-purchase financial education accumulated $5,000 more in liquid assets by the sixth year of homeownership. Black homeowners accumulate about $3,100 more on average than non-Habitat Black households and gains steadily increase every year — nearly $8,000 by year six — revealing the largest gains in the study. In addition, Habitat homeowners gain 22 credit score points relative to their neighbors — the margin that often moves a household from “Fair” to “Good” credit, or “Good” to “Great”.
“We went into this research knowing that Habitat homeowners were building equity through homeownership,” says Simone Boyce, director of research and learning at Habitat for Humanity International. “What we didn’t know was whether we’d see evidence of broader financial and well-being impacts. The answer was a resounding yes.”
“The data showed that there were improvements in credit scores and savings, lower foreclosure risk, and higher levels of life satisfaction and optimism. That’s exciting because it tells us that Habitat isn’t just helping families buy a home: we’re helping create a foundation for long-term stability, wealth and opportunity for families and future generations.”
To learn more, view the full report.
About Habitat for Humanity International
Habitat for Humanity is a movement of people in your local area and around the world, working together to build more prosperous and vibrant communities by making sure everyone has a safe, affordable place to call home. Since our founding in 1976 as a Christian organization, together we have helped more than 65 million people globally build their futures on their own terms through access to decent housing. We’ve done that by working alongside people of all walks of life to build, repair and finance their homes, by innovating new ways of building and financing, and by advocating for policies that make constructing and accessing housing easier for everyone. Together, we build homes, communities and hope. To learn more, visit habitat.org