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Habitat’s Impact on Civic Engagement
Our global economy is currently undergoing a substantial amount of change; economically, politically, and socially. This change has presented us with a reality that we, as neighbors, need to support each other now more than ever. Many feel a renewed sense of civic engagement. For 20 years, Habitat Greater San Francisco has brought people together with a common purpose to increase the availability of affordable housing in local communities. With neighbor support, Habitat is able to help working families achieve their dream of homeownership. Each year, thousands of volunteers work side by side with partner families, providing 90 percent of the labor needed to build Habitat homes. It is through this dedicated engagement that Habitat can build homes and hope. Community engagement benefits volunteers. Research has shown that volunteering plays a valuable role in shaping how youth learn to interact with their community and develop the skills, values, and sense of civic responsibility necessary to become active citizens.* In older adults, volunteering helps improve both physical and emotional well-being, measured as perceived health and life satisfaction respectively. "I’m like a car and Habitat for Humanity is my fuel." –KARLA YOUNGConstruction Volunteer As the country experiences its current economic downturn, the impact has been especially severe for the most vulnerable. With unemployment, foreclosures, and other social indicators at record levels, many are asking WHAT CAN I DO TO HELP? Habitat Greater San Francisco gives volunteers the opportunity to combine their skills and motivation to help solve the local housing crisis, one home and one family at a time. * Source material available upon request. Read on about the 4E's:
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