Impact Data


Stories and Stats

Habitat Minnesota collects data and conducts research to help policymakers and community members understand the need for and benefits of affordable homeownership. We also share ownership research from other relevant sources as it is available.

Our resources include regular data reports (UFF-DA Reports) and the 2015 Homeowner Impact Study, which includes both qualitative and quantitative data showing the positive, long-term impact of a Habitat home.


2015 Homeowner Impact Study

What do the findings tell us, in total, about the impacts of a Habitat home on the lives of homeowners? 

The research suggests that Habitat’s combination of financing and financial contributions, volunteer power, services for homeowners, and homeowner sweat equity results in an improved quality of life for program participants. In doing so, the program enhances the human, social, and economic capital of our communities, resulting in benefits for all.

Key Takeaways

Habitat homeownership:

  • Contributes positively to young people’s participation in school and their academic performance.
  • Increases or maintains feelings of financial security for most homeowners, enabling many of them to have more money to spend on their families than they had previously.
  • Positively affects feelings of safety.
  • Tends to promote greater social connectedness and participation in community activities.
  • Cost-benefit analysis indicates that all of these positive outcomes for the 2,200 Habitat homeowners in Minnesota amount to a reduction of government assistance needed by $6.4 to $9.3 million annually.
Download Report

Download the entire report, completed in February 2015, or find individual sections below.

Download Marketing Materials

Use these marketing materials in your own communities to let people know the benefits of homeownership.

Background

This study builds upon a pilot study, conducted in 2011, to understand the impact of the Habitat program on the quality of life of homeowners. The current study examines several dimensions of the lives of homeowners and other household members: education, health, employment, social connectedness, feelings of safety, and other topics. Habitat for Humanity of Minnesota and affiliates suspected that the Habitat homeownership process does more to enhance quality of life than just put a roof over people’s heads. This study offered the opportunity to empirically confirm that suspicion and provide data to help Habitat affiliates tell the story of how Habitat works, helping them to recruit more partner families, volunteers, and donors.


Making an Impact

“I am not dependent on welfare now and … I pay my own bills and I save more money now- I pay everything myself such as health insurance, life insurance, medical, etc. I feel good and positive about myself.”

Study participant
Habitat homeowner