Habitat's Quality of Life Framework
The importance of healthy neighborhoods
Stable, affordable housing is a key determinant of health. The house and neighborhood where one grows up impacts the health and longevity of one’s life.
Having a safe, decent, stable, affordable home also impacts a child’s success in school. However, many Americans live outside of safe, stable neighborhoods.
How are we revitalizing neighborhoods?
Neighborhood revitalization recognizes the holistic nature of neighborhood priorities to create change across multiple sectors. In order to create change that leads to the an improved quality of life, Habitat created the Quality of Life Framework. Based on learnings from Habitat affiliates and other community development experts, the Quality of Life Framework was developed to serve as a customizable and comprehensive approach to understand how the ultimate goal, an improved quality of life, can be achieved in a neighborhood. The Quality of Life Framework is Habitat’s hypothesis on how systemic and sustainable change happens in a neighborhood.
In order to create change that leads to an improved quality of life, community efforts focus on three foundational outcomes:
- Sense of community: Identifying with the neighborhood, feeling connected and supporting one another.
- Social cohesion: Being willing and able to work together.
- Collective action: Sustaining ongoing projects and advocacy efforts.
Focusing on the three foundational outcomes increases motivation and capacity to overcome barriers to sustainable change.
Donate to revitalize neighborhoods
Help your community thrive by supporting Habitat’s neighborhood revitalization program.
Why are we revitalizing neighborhoods?
Habitat for Humanity seeks to further embrace our mission by collaborating with local residents and partners to maximize resources and improve quality of life in the entire neighborhood.
How can you give back to the community?
Interested in learning more about the Quality of Life Framework? Email [email protected].
You also can contact your local Habitat office to see how they are involved in neighborhood revitalization efforts and what you can do to help.
