Home is the Foundation

Home is the Foundation on which

Habitat has always been about building self-reliance and providing that ‘hand up, not a hand out’. Habitat homeowners are required to contribute 250 hours per adult of sweat equity before they move into their homes and pay a mortgage just like any other homebuyer. We work with our Habitat families to set them up for success and determine a payment plan that fits their budget so they can build equity in their home, while also fulfilling other financial obligations. 

According to an impact report by Habitat for Humanity of Colorado, "Homeowners reported significantly less use of public assistance after moving into a Habitat house."

The ability to manage both the cost of housing and living helps these new homeowners grow their financial literacy and budget confidently. Without home and utility payments that eat into the majority of a paycheck, Habitat homeowners experience greater financial security as they are able to increase their savings, stay employed, spend less on their energy bills and reduce their use of public assistance programs. 

Home is the Foundation on which

Habitat Roaring Fork homes provide safe, healthy environments in which families can thrive. The benefits of homeownership are not only physical improvements but emotional as well; children have space to grow and parents have the peace-of-mind that comes from not worrying about increasing rent prices or lease terminations.

But homeownership with Habitat Roaring Fork isn't just about having a place to live, it's also about ensuring children can grow up with stability and opportunity. When children have a quiet, consistent space to do homework and are able to attend the same schools with their peers throughout their education, it leads to better grades and improved accessibility for education opportunities. Of the Habitat homeowners in Colorado, 90% said they saw an improvement in their family’s health since moving into their homes, and two-thirds expect their children to earn a bachelor’s degree or greater. Living in a safe and stable home prepares children to take care of themselves when it comes time to make decisions for life's next chapter.

Tessa and Cory Ice know first-hand how Habitat homeownership fosters a nurturing environment for families. “Prior to becoming Habitat homeowners, we were renting a less than 600 square foot house with a toddler and a baby. We knew our situation was the best “deal” for us financially and in this valley, but still, we dreamed.” After completing their sweat equity and moving into their Habitat home in 2018, the Ice family has started to see those dreams become a reality.

Home is the Foundation on which

Our tourism economy requires a workforce that is personally invested in our continued economic growth and development. Habitat Roaring Fork ensures the health and viability of our towns by facilitating access to long-term homeownership for our dedicated workforce. Giving individuals the opportunity to live where they work means they are able to give more to their jobs and to the communities they serve.

When workforce families can live affordably, it also frees up disposable income that can go into our local economy. And according to Habitat for Humanity of Colorado, Habitat homeowners increased their volunteer efforts in their communities by 13% after moving into their homes. 

Even after a short time living in Basalt Vista, Lizz and Mark Sinkinson have now realized how affordable homeownership fosters strong community ties and elevates shared values. Says Liz, “We love our Basalt Vista community and our neighbors. It’s clear that we share many of the same values: hard work, family, and giving back. Speaking of giving back, my husband and I have been volunteers of every kind since moving to the Roaring Fork Valley in 2008. We are passionate about (Habitat) not only because we found our forever home through them, but because we want to help work towards the same goal for other deserving families.”

Our Habitat Roaring Fork team is honored to deliver on our mission of building homes with the people who we need most in our communities for over 20 years because we know how much a home means, not just to them, but to our Valley as a whole. But when thinking about the affordable housing crisis in our region, it’s important to remember that there is no one solution. It requires input from many sources—from strategic partnerships across the private and public sectors, to passionate individuals like yourself who are willing to dig in and lift others up. 

Here are the many ways you can help make a difference in our community: