We know home is where the heart is. But a home is also a source of health, happiness, and a brighter future for many people. Here, we explore how owning a home creates a path to improve people’s outcomes. And we learn about homeownership benefits for two families who participated in Habitat’s homeownership program.

How Homeownership Benefits Families

Finding an affordable home is a dream for many in Summit and Wasatch counties. When that dream becomes a reality, as it does for families selected to participate in Habitat for Humanity’s homeownership program, the results extend beyond having a safe, decent place to live.

Greater economic stability is a direct result of the skills learned in Habitat’s homeownership program. Habitat offers financial courses and guides homeowners throughout the process, partnering with them to build the house and obtain the mortgage.

Also, among these valuable homeownership benefits is better access to quality education. Housing insecurity can significantly limit a child’s educational opportunities. Having to move often and change schools makes it difficult for kids to keep up academically. However, a Habitat study shows that homeownership leads to stronger test scores and increases the likelihood that kids will graduate from high school and complete post-secondary education, as compared with low-income students whose families rent rather than own their homes.

And with a higher net wealth – Habitat’s study also found that U.S. homeowners have an average net wealth 400% higher than that of renters with similar demographics and earnings – there’s more money available to set aside for higher education, as well as to improve health and daily life through more nutritious food choices and the ability to seek medical care when needed.

Success Stories from Habitat Homeowners

Wendy, a single mother with twins, had been rejected for traditional loans before she was accepted into Habitat for Humanity’s homeownership program. After 15 years in her new home, Wendy’s mortgage was halfway complete, and she had raised children who were also thriving.
 

Wendy acknowledges that owning a home took a lot of responsibility and hard work but that the homeownership benefits she enjoyed made it worthwhile. She also appreciates the community who helped her build and live in this home. “People who were involved in building it still come up to me in the community and ask how I like my new home,” Wendy says. “I love my home!”

Another mom of twins, Samantha, also experienced homeownership benefits as a result of being accepted into Habitat’s program. She gained confidence from participating in the build and moving into her home, and she’s proud of her hard work, as are her boys! 

“Some people might see this as a handout, but it’s not,” Sam says. “I’ve worked hard on my home and will be paying a mortgage. It has been great to work in my own home. I’m now more confident about taking care of it.”

Get Involved 

By getting involved with Habitat for Humanity of Summit and Wasatch Counties, you can change lives in our community. There are many ways to help, from volunteering at events and making a financial donation to shopping at and donating items to Park City Restore.