Habitat for Humanity: Building more than homes

NEWS RELEASE

HABITAT FOR HUMANITY
SAULT STE. MARIE

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Habitat homeownership improves health and happiness of families, children more confident and get better grades

CMHC survey of Habitat for Humanity families shows affordable homeownership an effective tool for economic and social advancement

SAULT STE. MARIE - New research has been released demonstrating that affordable Habitat for Humanity homeownership contributes to families becoming happier and healthier, and enjoying improvements in their children’s well being and school performance.

The research, led and funded by Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), showed that of the families surveyed, 86 percent report being happier since moving into their Habitat home and 89 percent said their family life had improved.

For this study, 326 Habitat partner families who have received their Habitat homes since 2000, were surveyed on changes to their health, social and financial dynamics.

“Low-income Canadian families face many obstacles when striving for adequate housing; low rental rates drive costs up, and cramped quarters, unhealthy environments, unsafe neighbourhoods are often the result. Living paycheque to paycheque, families struggle to save for a down payment, but in a low income family situation saving is more often a dream than a reality,” said Amie Woods, affiliate administrator of Habitat for Humanity Sault Ste Marie and Area. “A Habitat home means hope for the future. It means cutting through the barriers that keep hardworking families struggling for survival and providing the conditions in which families can truly begin to thrive. At Habitat we offer a hand up to families, and they become empowered and inspired as they invest their time and energy in the construction of their home, building equity for their futures and begin living healthier, happier lives.”

A leading advocate of affordable homeownership in Canada, Habitat for Humanity Canada worked with CMHC on this research to quantify the benefits and outcomes of their homeownership model on the families that partner through their program. 

Habitat’s model provides “a hand up, not a hand out”, with low-income families paying the full fair market value of their home through a no-interest, no down payment mortgage that is geared to their income.

Other key findings from the report:

• 70 percent of homebuyers reported improved health, including reduced colds and flu, allergies, asthma symptoms and stress. 31 percent reported less frequent visits to the doctor and about 25 percent said they missed fewer days of work because of illness;
• 65 percent reported their children’s confidence had improved;
• Children’s participation in extracurricular activities also increased.  Involvement in sports increased to 61 percent from 50 percent and participation in music and arts increased to 30 percent from 18 percent, with volunteering increasing to 45 percent from 29 percent;
• More than half (58 percent) reported they were better off financially now than before they moved into their Habitat home.

A full copy of the report is available from CMHC here.

About Habitat for Humanity Sault Ste Marie and Area

Habitat for Humanity Sault Ste Marie and Area (HFHSSMA) is an independent, non-profit housing program dedicated to building safe, decent, affordable homes in partnership with low income families.

Homeowners contribute “Sweat Equity” volunteer hours and then repay a long term, interest free, geared to income mortgage.

We set families up to succeed at home ownership - offering a hand up, not a handout.

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