Economic Impact in Houston County

Houston County Habitat for Humanity improved housing conditions of 14 people in fiscal year 2016, creating tangible, lasting improvements for those in need of a decent place to live. Since 1991, Houston County Habitat for Humanity has partnered with 53 families and 107 children through improved housing, including new construction, rehabilitations and repairs.

A recent Economic Impact Study conducted by Dr. Greg George, Associate Professor of Economics and Director of the Center for Economic Analysis at Middle Georgia State University report states that since 1991, Houston County Habitat for Humanity made an economic impact of $7,257,963, most of which was concentrated in Houston County. Total earnings in the area rose by an estimated $3,563,052 and a total of 76 jobs were created consequence of Houston County Habitat for Humanity's contribution to the local economy.

Some highlights for 2016 include:

• Completed a $55,000 renovation at our new location at 955 Watson Boulevard
• Completed two new homes Wellston Villas in our current neighborhood revitalization project behind the U-Haul on Watson Blvd.
• Initiated our "Ramp it Up" campaign by completing two wheelchair ramps for the elderly and disabled.
• Our "Women's Build" team completed six training projects and placed new park benches and bird houses in Fountain Park.
• Thanks to a $5,000 grant from the Community Foundation of Central Georgia, Houston County Habitat established an on-site lab which will teach basic computer training and Financial Planning for our Habitat homeowners. This will assist homeowners in budgeting their finances and also give them opportunity to learn new skills which will help open up new employment opportunities.

For families to succeed, sometimes the dynamics of their neighborhood have to change.

Neighborhood Revitalization is Habitat for Humanity's holistic approach that expands upon its partnership with volunteers and new homeowners to also include neighbors and local organizations for an increased impact.

While new home construction continues to play a vital role in Habitat's work, additional tools include house repairs and other services that allow Habitat to serve even more families in communities.

Through this effort, neighborhoods across the United States are revitalized into vibrant, safe and inviting places to live for current and future residents.

This happens thanks to the hard work of engaged citizens, partnerships with civic and business groups, and a renewed community spirit.

"Neighborhood Revitalization is the way of the future and is an essential element of Habitat's work."
- Jonathan Reckford, CEO, Habitat for Humanity International

Goals

• Serve more families through an expanded array of housing products.
• Demonstrate an improved quality of life in the communities where we serve.
• Broaden the base of Habitat's financial support.
• Increase volunteer participation.