LAKEWOOD, Colo. — This month, Habitat for Humanity of Colorado released its 2018 Impact Study, which reveals the effect the organization has had on owners of Habitat homes, their families and the state.
The study was conducted by Research Evaluation Consulting, a Colorado-based consulting firm.
“This study is extremely timely due to the housing crisis in Colorado,” said Karen Kallenberg, Habitat for Humanity of Colorado executive director. “Habitat for Humanity sees the life-changing positive impact of safe, affordable housing every day, so it is truly amazing to hear directly from homeowners and read how our work is making a difference in families’ health, education, community involvement and financial well-being. Ninety-four percent of homeowners reported that they feel that their lives had improved since becoming a Habitat homeowner.”
Here are some more of the study’s findings:
- 90 percent of homeowners reported some type of improvement to their family’s health since they became homeowners
- About a third of homeowners pursued or are pursuing additional education since moving into the new Habitat home
- 52 percent of homeowners observed an improvement in their children’s grades since moving into the home
- 67 percent of the Habitat homeowners are expecting their children to graduate college or additional education
- Reduction of 58 percent in the total number of public assistance program usage before and after moving into a Habitat home
- Total economic impact of Habitat for Humanity is $62.1 million in industrial outputs
- Habitat activities support about 539 positions, which provide $28.4 million in wages to Colorado workers
As of November 2018, there are 25 affiliates building in 45 communities across the state. Each year, they partner with 150 low-income families who are in need of housing.