Woman smiles in her home.

Creating economic opportunity

Habitat helps families increase their financial security

We invest in people’s futures when we invest in housing.

All future Habitat homeowners complete a financial education program that helps them build a solid foundation for long-term personal success. Habitat keeps homes affordable through vehicles such as low-interest mortgages and small loans, volunteer labor and greater energy efficiency.

Greater affordability has a lasting impact. In Latin America and the Caribbean, 45 percent of people completing Habitat’s financial education workshops report that they immediately began saving for their futures. In a 2016 study by Georgia Tech’s Center for Economic Development Research, four of five participants say they feel more financially secure, and 71 percent say they’re better able to pay bills on time. The money saved on housing often is invested in training, education and other enrichment opportunities.

“At a time of growing income and wealth inequality, economic mobility provides a frame through which to consider the potential of housing policy to change the trajectories of individuals and communities.”
— Urban Institute’s Pamela M. Blumenthal and John R. McGinty

In addition to building and repairing affordably, Habitat also works with partners across the globe to facilitate more inclusive housing market systems, making affordable housing possible for millions. Our Terwilliger Center for Innovation in Shelter helps make microfinance loans and housing support services available to those families who have no access to traditional mortgages, and we work to help grow and expand local housing market systems — financing, services, products — to make sure that more households can improve their shelter more effectively and efficiently.

The benefits of decent and affordable housing transfer to society at large. When families have the stability necessary to build pathways to their own economic success, whole communities can prosper.

Commitment and persistence

With credit and debt issues, Anita thought about giving up more than once, but the promise of an affordable and good home for her family always prevailed.

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Reflecting on 25 years of homeownership, friendship

Homeowner Kathy reflects on what life has brought her after she and her daughters moved into their Habitat home in Boise, Idaho, 25 years ago. “Back then, before Habitat, I figured that homeownership would always be out of reach,” she says.

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Providing security for generations to come

Habitat Zambia builds home with member of vulnerable groups such as the elderly, people with disabilities, orphans and households headed up children. Lucy began raising her two younger brothers when she was in the seventh grade. Today, her family thrives in a Habitat house.

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Shelter leads to success

Young people who have aged out of the foster care system need a place to call home as they work to successfully transition into adulthood. With that in mind, Habitat Poland launched an innovative project that it hopes can serve as a model for the rest of the country.

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