Mission

About

Why Habitat Is Needed

Learn about how Habitat for Humanity impacts millions of families throughout the U.S., helping the 95 million people facing housing issues.

In 2019, 37.1 million households — 30.2% of all U.S. households — were “housing cost burdened,” spending more than 30% of their income on housing. Of those, 17.6 million households (1 in 7) were “severely cost burdened,” spending more than 50% of their income on housing.

Source: Habitat for Humanity International 2023 State of the Nation’s Housing report.

Housing is important to the quality of life, health and economic prosperity of the entire community:

Health

Inadequate housing impacts health, especially the health of children. After moving into Habitat homes, asthma and allergies are two conditions that dramatically improve in children.

Economic prosperity

A healthy housing market attracts businesses that depend on a range of housing options for their employees.

Education

Stable, healthy housing is one of the most effective strategies for improving school performance in low income children.

Transportation

When people can find good housing that they can afford near their work, it improves our transportation system by decreasing congestion and reducing commuting costs.

Environment

Habitat’s commitment to green building produces energy-efficient homes that are more affordable to maintain. Additionally, building housing near public transportation and thriving job centers results in diminished air pollution and congestion.

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