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Housing Matters

Why Housing Matters

Affordable housing is a problem for many working families throughout the Greater Fox Cities. Despite having paying jobs, many simply don’t make enough to pay for anything but substandard housing. According to some of the most recent data available from the Fox Cities 2006 LIFE Study, the cost of housing here continues to climb and the number of renter households with a cost burden (people who pay more than 30% of their income for housing) increased from 31% to 43% between 2002 and 2004.

The communities we serve count on Habitat for Humanity to help low-income families build permanent, modest and affordable homes. We cannot keep up with the need for decent and affordable housing in the area, a need that is growing during the economic recession. In fact, during 2009, the number of families seeking affordable Habitat homes nearly doubled.

Our Mission

Seeking to put God's love into action, Habitat for Humanity brings people together to build homes, communities and hope.

Since its foundation in 1993, Greater Fox Cities Area Habitat for Humanity has built over 120 houses and counting in the Fox Cities, providing a new home for nearly 500 people in the community. 

Our mission is straightforward and to the point: to make simple, decent and affordable housing available to those who need it the most. This belief is what drives us in our work with Habitat for Humanity- when families have decent housing they can afford, many of life's other challenges become more manageable. 

In partnership with hundreds of dedicated volunteers and supporters, Greater Fox Cities Area Habitat for Humanity is building hope, one house at a time.

When families have a stable, affordable home, they can:

• Provide stability for their children
• Gain improved health, physical safety, and security
• Increase educational and job prospects
• Be engaged in their communities

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.

The Facts

Statistics substantiate that homeownership improves the quality of life for families and communities.  Children of homeowners compared to children of renters (same age, income, race, etc.) are:

• 25% more likely to graduate from high school
• 116% more likely to graduate from college
• 20% less likely to become teenage mothers  

Additionally, homeowners compared to renters are:

• 28% more likely to repair or improve their homes
• 15% more likely to vote
• 10% more likely to report they have worked to solve local problems, and live four times longer in a community