Parents can provide stability for their children. More than 90% of Knoxville Habitat families report feeling better about their future, and their children’s future, than they did before completing the education program and becoming homeowners. 79% report they continue to live on the budget they learned to develop in their educational program.
A family’s sense of dignity and pride grow. Knoxville Habitat homeowners reveal a 45% decrease in the use of public assistance programs, and 55% report they save more money since becoming homeowners. 62% of our homeowners report an increase in their children inviting friends into their home.
Health, physical safety, and security improve. 74% of Knoxville Habitat families attribute their positive changes in safety and health status to homeownership. 24% report needing fewer doctors visits.
Education and job prospects increase. 54% of Knoxville Habitat homeowners have experienced improvements in their job situations since becoming homeowners. An astonishing 81% of Knoxville Habitat family members have completed or plan to complete higher education since becoming homeowners! Overall, respondents report that their children’s school attendance improved 27% and their grades improved 48% since moving into a stable home.
Family relations are improved. 52% of Knoxville Habitat homeowners report an increase in quality family time, and 44% enjoy improved family relations.
Overall, 84% of Habitat homeowners report an improved quality of life and higher satisfaction since becoming homeowners.
Clearly, this study affirms that all human transformation comes through an investment of personal time. The family education program at Knoxville Habitat has been instrumental in the success of more than 600 families. Upon completion of the coursework, they are better prepared to meet the responsibilities of homeownership and have set a new course out of poverty for their families.
*Knoxville Habitat for Humanity Impact Study, Mira Hana, MSW, University of Tennessee College of Social Work, 2014.