Our Impact
Together, we build strength and stability.
The Need
Monroe County is considered one of the least affordable places to live in the state of Indiana. As costs rise and access to affordable housing shrinks, families are at risk of housing instability and falling into a cycle of poverty.
Unstable housing can:
- Lead to overcrowded and substandard living conditions
- Cause health problems such as asthma and depression
- Hinder a child’s performance in school
- Leave little to no money is saving for a family’s future
Our Solution
We believe everyone deserves a decent place to live, because when families have a stable home, opportunities follow.
Education:
Homeownership creates the stability families need to thrive, foster self-reliance and build a foundation for long-term success.
- Children of homeowners are more likely to graduate from high school and pursue higher education.
- Research shows that children of homeowners often experience stronger educational outcomes, including higher achievement in reading and mathematics, along with fewer behavioral problems.
- Teenagers in homeowner households are more likely to stay in school and graduate from high school.
- Children raised in stable homeowner households are also more likely to achieve higher educational attainment and stronger long-term economic outcomes as adults.
“A safe, decent, affordable home is like a vaccine. It literally prevents disease.”
Dr. Megan Sandel
Boston University School of Medicine
Health:
For many Habitat homeowners, their Habitat home is an escape from previously overcrowded, hazardous, or substandard housing.
Studies have shown that stable, affordable housing is closely tied to health:
- Families with affordable, stable housing are less likely to be exposed to mold and other allergens that can contribute to asthma and additional health concerns.
- When families spend a large portion of their income on housing, fewer resources remain for healthcare, nutritious food, and other essential needs.
- Homeowners often report greater life satisfaction, self-esteem, and a stronger sense of stability and control over their lives and health.
Stability:
Families with lower incomes are often the most vulnerable to instability in the housing market. Many hardworking families face the daily challenge of keeping up with housing costs while living with the fear that rising rent, eviction, or an unexpected expense could lead to displacement.
For families in Monroe County, a stable, affordable place to call home means:
- A sense of belonging and connection to the community
- Stability for children at home and in school
- Greater opportunities to save, plan, and invest in the future
- The chance to build equity and create generational wealth
Habitat for Humanity of Monroe County is unique because we invest in building stronger neighborhoods, not just houses, creating lasting change for families and future generations.
How we work:
Through volunteer labor and tax-deductible donations of money and materials, our homes are built and sold to partner families with affordable mortgages. As homeowners repay their mortgages, those funds are reinvested into our mission — helping us build more homes and create more opportunities for families in Monroe County to achieve homeownership.
Impact Studies
Since 1988, our affiliate has built more than 250 homes for families across Monroe County and Bloomington, Indiana.
