FORT LAUDERDALE (April 6, 2021) – Habitat for Humanity of Broward has partnered with Florida International University (FIU) to conduct Broward’s first-ever homeownership impact study.
Researchers at the Jorge Pérez Metropolitan Center at FIU (FIU/MC) will conduct a study that will examine the quality of life, educational, health, and economic impacts of homeownership on Broward families. The study will also undertake extensive geo-coding to assess the effect homeownership has on wider community livability.
“The Jorge Pérez Metropolitan Center at FIU is the leading urban “think tank” in South Florida,” said Nancy Robin, CEO and Executive Director of Habitat Broward. “We’re proud to have such a respected partner in applied research really peel back the onion on how homeownership impacts families and the wider community.”
Fueled by a generous $50,000 grant from the Rogers Family Foundation, the study will use digital, phone, and door-to-door interviews of hundreds of Habitat homeowners to uncover data. The study will examine new homeowners right through to families who have owned their own homes for decades.
Broward requires an ever-more sophisticated approach to its affordable housing crisis if it is to use its resources wisely and develop comprehensive solutions to the challenge. “This study will provide us with a roadmap of what’s working and what we can improve,” said Robin.
“We are proud to work with Habitat Broward to help illuminate the great work our nonprofit partners are doing to address one of the most pressing issues impacting our communities,” said Dr. Maria Ilcheva, Assistant Director of the FIU/MC. “We know stable housing, employment opportunities, education, and health care are important factors for economic mobility. Through its homeownership program, Habitat is improving not only the lives of homeowners but future generations.”
To date, Habitat Broward has empowered hundreds of families to move out of substandard housing into an affordable home of their own. Beyond building bricks and mortar, Habitat Broward changes the trajectory of families’ lives, transforms underserved communities, and strengthens the economy through financial empowerment.

About Habitat for Humanity of Broward
Seeking to put God’s love into action, Habitat for Humanity of Broward brings people together to build homes, communities, and hope. Habitat Broward offers a “hand up” not a “hand out” from low to very low-income families who are unable to qualify for conventional financing but are willing to work hard to improve their family’s lives and break the intergenerational cycle of poverty. For more information about Habitat for Humanity of Broward please call (954) 396-3030 or visit habitatbroward.org or check us out on Facebook at www.facebook.com/HabitatBroward.