Sofia Kwon, Habitat for Humanity of Greater Newark Volunteer
Although a huge part of Habitat for Humanity’s mission is building houses and increasing home ownership, it is not the only program that Habitat has to help communities. The Critical Home Repair (CHR) program, for example, helps low-income homeowners who may be affected by age, disability, or family circumstances maintain their homes. The CHR program is part of Habitat for Humanity’s broader community development strategy, the Neighborhood Revitalization Program. With the CHR program, Habitat is able to address something many homeowners take for granted: the ability to make important repairs to their home. After all, a house does not simply remain in pristine condition forever and it’s important that homeowners have the ability to repair their home to keep it from falling into a dilapidated condition.
Additionally, Habitat for Humanity continues its mission to help families live in safe and decent homes through a smoke alarm installation program. Smoke alarms are another critical aspect of home ownership that many take for granted and yet, the absence of a smoke alarm can have a dangerous effect. Through the A Brush with Kindness program, Habitat provides families with free smoke alarm installation, as well as additional exterior repairs such as painting and landscaping.
Habitat for Humanity doesn’t only focus on individual homeowners. Habitat wants to help families achieve a safe and decent place to live – something that can affect one’s health, longevity, and success in school. That is why Habitat for Humanity is dedicated to neighborhood revitalization through its Quality of Life Framework, a comprehensive approach to systemic and sustainable change in a neighborhood that leads to an improved quality of life. The Quality of Life Framework focuses on three foundational outcomes: a sense of community within the neighborhood, social cohesion, and collective action. Habitat for Humanity’s vision does not just include helping the individual or the family, but aiding, empowering, and revitalizing the whole community.
Therefore, when you help Habitat for Humanity, whether by volunteering or donating, your impact is not narrowly confined to building houses. You are helping Habitat for Humanity achieve its greater vision, one that impacts a broader neighborhood to affect invaluable, positive change.
