Impact Research

Homeownership improves family health, education, quality of life and wealth creation while raising neighborhood home values, employment rates, and the tax base.

The Jorge Perez Metropolitan Center at Florida International University has completed a comprehensive study of the impact of Habitat Broward’s homeownership program. During their two year study, the researchers conducted door-to-door canvassing, online questionnaires, focus groups and a deep dive into Census data.
Read the Homeownership Impact Fact Sheet here.

Research Highlights

Health
92%

report their new household is healthier overall.

Safety
81%

of parents felt children were safer playing outside.

Stability
87%

of homeowners report they feel true stability.

Education
53%

of parents report their children’s grades improved.

Finances
79%

now feel relaxed and financially confident.

Healthy & Quality of Life

“It is impossible to focus on the future when your living situation presents basic health hazards.”

Before

50.3%

After

87.3%

My housing was free of mice, bugs, pests, mold and bad air quality.

Before

38.9%

After

83.1%

I sleep well at night.

Before

77.6%

After

90.1%

My household had access to public parks.

Before

83.7%

After

94.4%

My household had access to healthy food options.

Before

86.3%

After

90.8%

My household members had health insurance.

Safety

“Being a Habitat homeowner gave me an opportunity to raise my children in a safer community. It changed my outlook on life and my family’s life.”

Before

52.3%

After

73.4%

My household and I felt safe in my neighborhood.

Before

46%

After

73.1%

I trusted my neighbors to help if I needed something.

Before

47.4%

After

87%

My household and I felt settled in our housing.

Before

53.5%

After

80.6%

I was comfortable with family spending time outside.

Stability & Economics

After taking steps to improve economic future, applying skills learned from Habitat, and making more informed financial decisions, homeowners are less susceptible to broader economic shifts.”

Before

38%

After

68.2%

I did not need to borrow money to make ends meet.

Before

53%

After

78%

I have sufficient income to meet family needs.

Before

48%

After

79.2%

I feel relaxed and confident about my finances.

Before

60%

After

82%

I was able to make steps towards future goals.