Stable housing plays a crucial role in shaping educational outcomes. And the link between homeownership and academic success has even broader implications for families, communities, and policymakers.
This back-to-school season, we’re taking a closer look at the impact of affordable homeownership on academic performance, graduation rates, and college attendance – and highlighting how organizations like Habitat for Humanity are a part of this larger story.
One of the primary ways that housing supports education is through stability. 89% of parents report that their children performed better in school after their family achieved housing stability (Warren Village, 2021).
When children live in the same home many years in a row, it allows them to maintain consistent schooling by reducing the frequency of moves and disruptions. Additionally, reduced overcrowding in owned homes creates better environments for studying and learning (Habitat for Humanity, 2020).
Recent research from Habitat for Humanity shows that stable home environments raise young children’s math and reading test scores. And children in stable homes attend higher-performing schools, increasing attendance and graduation rates. (Habitat for Humanity, 2020)
Homeownership can also impacts the education level that children and adults achieve. Children of low-income families who own their homes are 11% more likely to graduate from high school and 4.5% more likely to complete post-secondary education, compared to their peers in rental households. (Habitat for Humanity, 2020)
In addition, homeowners can leverage housing wealth to support college expenses. For lower- and moderate-income families, a $10,000 increase in housing wealth raises the probability of college attendance by 14%. (Habitat for Humanity, 2020)
Housing stability allows adult homebuyers to pursue professional and academic goals as well. Many Habitat homeowners in Metro Denver report that they were able to go back to school,and finish or obtain a degree after they experienced financial and mental stability in their Habitat homes.
When families move into a Habitat home, the impact goes far beyond the front door. Stable housing helps kids stay in the same school, have space to study, and focus on learning instead of worrying about moving.
Here in Denver, the results speak for themselves:
By building affordable homeownership opportunities, Habitat Metro Denver helps families create the kind of stable environment where children can thrive academically.
Tap above to hear how one homeowner was able to support her kids’ education – and go back to school herself – after moving in to her Habitat home
When affordable homeownership is supported through policy, the ripple effects extend to the community through long-term educational and economic benefits. When policymakers allocate resources, implement land use reforms, and expand portable housing assistance, families experience stability and long-term growth. Support for organizations like Habitat Metro Denver is essential. Individuals can contribute by donating , volunteering ,shopping at our ReStores or subscribing to advocacy alerts to stay informed and engaged.
Homeownership is more than just providing shelter—it lays the foundation for educational success. Investing in affordable homeownership is an investment in the future of children. Stable homes empower students to thrive academically and unlock opportunities for lifelong achievement.
Habitat for Humanity. Building Futures: How Affordable Homeownership Shapes Educational Success. Retrieved from https://www.habitat.org/sites/default/files/documents/Evidence-Brief_Overview-of-Homeownership-lores.pdf
Habitat for Humanity of Metro Denver, Housing & Education, https://habitatmetrodenver.org/housing-and-education/
Warren Village. (2021). Impact Report. Retrieved from https://warrenvillage.org/impact-report
