Our Impact
building a foundation for healthier families and communities
Caught in punishing cycles of unpredictable rent increases, overcrowded conditions, or lack of access to affordable financing, many families and individuals in our community live with the constant burden of uncertainty, stress and fear. That’s why we partner with working, families and individuals, to help them build strength, stability and independence through affordable homeownership.
Habitat homeownership provides families and individuals with more than just equity – it gives them a renewed sense of pride and responsibility. The impact is immediate, and the effects are lasting. Research has shown that Habitat homeowners are happier, healthier and more financially stable, which can allow them to return to school, learn a new trade or upgrade their job skills. Meanwhile, their children are more confident and do better in school.
The benefits of a Habitat home reach far beyond the four walls of their home. Through reduced reliance on social housing and food banks, better education and employment outcomes, and improved health, every Habitat home built helps create $175,000 worth of benefits for the local community.
Every $1 invested in a Habitat for Humanity build produces $4 worth of social benefit.
22%
of children attained a bachelor degree or more vs. 8% control group.
37%
of families were in social housing before Habitat.
50%
of families are now physically active vs. 1% national average.
60%
reduction in food bank usage for Habitat families.
Habitat for Humanity Peterborough & Kawartha Region celebrates 20 years of empowering local families through affordable homeownership with a report outlining the accomplishments of the last 20 years, with insight as to what is next!
Read Habitat PKR's 20th Anniversary Report
Transforming Lives: The Social Return on Habitat's Work in Canada
The Boston Consulting Group conducted a study to provide a quantitative assessment of our social return on investment. Their assessment of our model of affordable homeownership found that every Habitat home generates $175,000 worth of benefits to society. In Canada, our affordable homeownership program has created a social return on investment of over $590 million since we started in 1985.
Building Families’ Futures and Opportunities Through Habitat Homeownership
The Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation conducted a Canada-wide survey of Habitat families. After purchasing a home through us, these families reported improved health, happiness, and overall well-being.