Improved physical and mental well-being

For Logan an Danyelle, and for many others, Habitat homeownership has ensured that they can lead healthy lives. Their stories demonstrate how affordable, secure, and safe housing can lead to improved physical and mental health in a myriad of ways.

Lower housing costs can free up resources for spending on healthcare and healthful activities. Because of their affordable mortgages, most Habitat homeowners now feel they can better afford necessary health care and treatments. One homeowner remembered that, “my family was covered by Medicaid at times and at times I did not have health insurance. Since being a homeowner, my family has kept group health insurance. We can afford the premiums and [...] appointments as needed.”

57% improved their ability to afford medications

For many homeowners, knowing they can mantain safe and stable housing as they age is crucial to their physical and mental well-weing. Most Habitat homeowners describe a newfound sense of long-term housing security.

68% said their ability to age in place improved

Like Logan and Danyelle, the vast majority of Habitat homeowners described living in a healthier environment with fewer house-related health hazards. Childhood asthma and other respiratory conditions are among the most serious risks associated with exposure to these hazards, often impacting the health and environmental outcomes for children. Many children of

Habitat homeowners who said they suffered from such conditions noted a significant improvement in their health after homeownership. According to one homeowner, “my child has not had an asthma attack since we moved in.”

Many Habitat homeowners celebrate being able to play and exercise outside safely in their new homes, activities which are integral to a balanced, healthy lifestyle. While the public “green” areas of Kelvin’s apartment complex were full of permanent clotheslines, he has built his granddaughter a swing in the backyard of his home of seven years. “That was exciting to me.”

70% said their ability to play or exercise outside improved

Households of color often described thriving, healthy lives for themselves and their children after homeownership.

70% of respondents said their children’s health had improved or remained excellent after homeownership