The Need

Affordable housing is a problem for many working families throughout Sheboygan and Ozaukee Counties. Despite having paying jobs, many simply don’t make enough to pay for anything but substandard housing.

The communities we serve count on Habitat for Humanity Lakeside 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.

When local 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