why homeownership matters

Homeownership empowers people to reach their full potential and helps improve housing conditions in the region. The Habitat model is not only an investment in future homes and neighborhoods, but in the lives of the homeowners.

Habitat for Humanity’s expanding homeownership
provides benefits to the entire region:

• safer neighborhoods
• better health outcomes
• greater educational success for children
• higher tax base
• an attractive area in which to work
• more disposable income
• greater pride in our communities
• half the likelihood of relying on government​ assistance as adults than non-homeowner’s children

the need for affordable housing in the la crosse area

• The median home sale price in La Crosse is $156,000, well beyond the affordability range for low-income homeowners. 2016 Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (MRRPC)
• More than 66 percent of homes in the City of La Crosse are 75 years or older, many of those are rentals. Deferred maintenance has made many of them unsafe to live in. US Census
• 59 percent of all renters have a housing problem, which is defined as cost-burden greater than 30 percent of income and/or lacking complete kitchen or plumbing facilities. US Census
• Home ownership can be vital to providing stability for families and children. “It provides a wealth of benefits to families and children including improved health and school outcomes, increased community engagement and volunteerism, reduced crime and higher lifetime wealth.” US News