From Surviving to Thriving: Habitat for Humanity’s Impact

Studies have shown that safe and decent housing plays a significant role in a child’s growth and development. However, children who grow up in low-quality housing conditions face an increased risk of physical health problems. The stress that parents experience due to living in poor conditions—including mold, pests, poor ventilation, and other factors—can also translate into emotional and behavioral problems in their children. These are the facts. They’re real. They’re urgent.

That's why the work Habitat for Humanity is doing to make homeownership more accessible is so crucial, not just for families today but for future generations. That roof over their heads? It's transformational. Because, for those living on the edge of poverty and displacement, having a decent, affordable home can be a powerful catalyst for a child's ability to thrive. 

Habitat CEO Jonathan Reckford has said, “Having a safe and secure place to call home leads to improved quality of life across any number of measurable outcomes. Even the simplest forms of shelter can drastically affect the trajectory of the lives of those who live there.” 

Here, a few of those wonderful things from a trio of Habitat partner families, each with their own journey from struggle to stability. 

  • A Military Family’s Pandemic Struggle

    "I felt like every time I took three steps forward, I was going two steps back," says Chris, who serves in the National Guard. "At every turn, there was something stalling our goals." The biggest setback was the COVID-19 pandemic. His wife Lina had to leave her job to homeschool their daughter, and the loss of income made financial recovery nearly impossible—until Habitat came into the picture.  

     

    When Chris was deployed shortly after they moved into their house, Habitat's support didn't stop—the community checked in on Lina and their daughter, mowed their lawn, and provided meals every Friday night. Years later, with the security of homeownership behind them, the family is celebrating new milestones: Lina gave birth to a baby girl and Chris—after years of starting and stopping—is finally getting his college degree. 

  • The Family of Five from Morocco 

    Like so many immigrants, Mustapha and Hayat came to the U.S. from Morocco in search of a better life. For over a decade, they persevered—Mustapha working his way up the restaurant business to become a part owner, Hayat teaching at a local school part-time while caring for their three kids. They made do with a tiny apartment—until the day faulty plumbing caused the ceiling to cave, and soon, the bathroom became covered in mold. But they couldn't afford to move out. 

     

    The couple first heard about Habitat through social media and after applying to partner with their local affiliate, worked alongside volunteers to build their home in Louisiana. Even their daughters put in a little elbow grease, helping to plant the flowers in their small garden. “I love my new home," says Alae, the youngest. "It’s quiet, and I can sleep long!” 

  • The Parents Who Refused to Settle

    Rodents. Plumbing problems. Dangerous neighborhoods. Windows that didn't close or lock. Marcus and Angie spent years navigating challenge after challenge, all while raising two daughters, including one who has autism. Every time Marcus' income increased, so did the rent. So they kept moving and moving, always with the same hope: to give their girls the stability every child deserves—because parents shouldn't have to choose between safety and shelter.  

     

    When they partnered with Habitat and put in the sweat equity to build their Ohio home, that goal became a reality. Today, their daughters play joyfully in the backyard, and the couple finally has the peace of mind they've been chasing for years. “Having that foundation to start fresh is a wonderful opportunity," Marcus says. “I’ll be forever grateful for Habitat for Humanity and what they did for my family.”