Always with an eye toward the future, Elijah sees homeownership as a game changer in his life. His new Habitat home not only provides an affordable place to live for his family, but an investment that will allow him to reach his goal of running his own business and planning for his son’s future.  

Elijah will be the first person in his family to own a home with a new baby, and he is proud to have something to pass down to his young son. 

“It gives regular people a fighting chance at starting generational wealth,” Elijah said. “The home is where it starts.” 

Safe and affordable homeownership has both immediate and long-term financial benefits. Manageable expenses in their day-to-day lives mean homeowners can set aside savings, plan for unforeseen emergencies or opportunities, and invest in their goals for the future. 

• Research has shown a correlation between homeownership and increased equity, with each year of homeownership resulting in an additional $9,500 in equity that can be passed down to the next generation. 

• Habitat strives to ensure mortgage payments consume no more than 30% to 34% of a homeowner’s income by offering affordable financial packages.  

• Low-interest loans arranged by Habitat mean a homeowner can begin building equity almost immediately and provide long-term affordability. 

• Habitat’s financial education classes and pre- and post-purchase counseling provide tools and strategies to help homeowners manage their finances and sustain homeownership. 

Just as important as building new homes is preserving existing homes for current homeowners. Habitat’s Home Repair program partners with existing homeowners to alleviate costly health and safety issues, improve their home, and retain their investment for future generations.  

Elijah is right: The home is where it starts, and Habitat is committed to ensuring that more individuals and families have that opportunity for new beginnings and a brighter future. 

Read more in this series:
Frame a future where every child thrives in school
Frame a future with safe, healthy homes for all
Frame a future where inclusive communities thrive

Learn more about the connection between safe, affordable homes and long-term financial growth, along with other issues such as education, health, and inclusive communities, here.

Read more of Elijah’s journey to homeownership.

Join our Frame a Future campaign to help build a future where affordable homeownership is possible, creating brighter futures for our neighbors and stronger communities for generations to come.