New research has been released demonstrating that affordable Habitat for Humanity home ownership 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.
More than 320 Habitat Partner Families have been surveyed on changes to their health, social and financial dynamics since moving into their Habitat homes.
“I feel extremely privileged to have been chosen for the blessing called Home. I am starting to accept the significant change and peace of mind this has brought not only to my life, but more significantly to my children’s lives. This has enabled me to have the needed security to build a bright future for my children and myself,” says Kiran Goel, Guelph Home recipient commenting on the findings of the study.
“Cramped quarters, unhealthy environments, unsafe neighbourhoods – low-income Canadian families often face challenges in obtaining housing that meets their needs,” says Steve Howard, executive director of Habitat for Humanity Wellington Dufferin Guelph.
“The families who partner with Habitat are able to remove themselves from these difficult situations, build equity for their futures and begin living healthier, happier and more productive lives.”
A leading advocate of affordable home ownership 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 per cent of home buyers reported improved health, including reduced colds and flu, allergies, asthma symptoms and stress. Thirty-one per cent reported less frequent visits to the doctor and about 25 % said they missed fewer days of work because of illness. Founded in 2000, Habitat for Humanity Wellington Dufferin Guelph (HFHWDG) is a non-profit organization. With the help of volunteers, the organization has provided 21 families with safe, decent and affordable housing in Guelph and Wellington County, and is quickly expanding into Dufferin Region. For more information on HFHWDG, please visit www.habitatwellington.on.ca
For more information contact Joanna Burke at 519-767-9752 ext. 28 or fundraising@habitatwellington.on.ca.
