Home ownership is truly a luxury. It shouldn’t be, but it is. Even those who are blessed with home ownership struggle to keep it. In fact, over 19 million U.S. households allocate more than half of their income on the cost of home ownership. And, this comes at a price and with tough decisions as well. Do you pay for healthcare? Is your child’s education being covered to ensure opportunities in the future? And what about getting to and from your job so that you can cover all of those household expenses. (*Disclosure below.)
It’s a struggle that many people face each and every day. It affects all walks of life, all genders, all races, all ages, and all geographies. And those who simply do not have the means to purchase (or even rent) a place to call home may never actually achieve it in their lifetime.
But it doesn’t have to be this way.
There are ways that those who “have” can help those who “have not.” In 2017, Habitat for Humanity initiated a campaign called “Home is the Key” designed to raise awareness about this domestic crisis affecting millions of Americans. And with core 2019 partners like At Home, Nest, Chico’s FAS, Nissan, and O-Cedar, steps are being made to reduce the crisis level.
According to the National Low Income Housing Coalition, there is virtually no place in the United States where a full-time worker earning minimum wage can afford a one-bedroom apartment.
Let that sink in for a minute.
What you and I may take for granted, is a dream (perhaps unachievable) for others. But there are ways to make a difference in getting affordable houses to those who need and deserve it.
How To Make A Difference
While Habitat for Humanity is known for building affordable housing for those in need, it’s important to point out that those homes are NOT handouts. In fact, future homeowners need to put in plenty of sweat and hard work to achieve what they desire – a home of their own. And they also pay an affordable mortgage and receive financial training to ensure their future home-ownership success.
Many people have probably heard of Habitat’s volunteer program where people from the community can donate their time to build homes and housing for others. It’s an opportunity to contribute to those in need in the community around you.
But, if you don’t have time to spare, you can also make a financial donation to Habitat directly.
And there are other ways of making a difference and getting families down the path to calling a place a home. For starters, At Home, the home décor superstore, will donate $4.55 from each exclusive coaster set sold in April and May 2019. Additionally, during June, there will be in-store fundraising events.
Chico’s FAS is another Home is the Key partner for 2019. During this campaign, there are numerous ways of helping:
- Chico’s will donate $2.00 from each signature Slub Tee sold during April and May, up to a maximum donation of $400,000, to Habitat for Humanity International. Additionally, Chico’s will donate $5 on any purchase of a gift card $25 or more, up to $100,000.
- White House Black Market will donate $5 on any purchase of a gift card of $25 or more, up to $50,000.
- Soma: Soma will donate $5 on any purchase of a gift card of $25 or more, up to $50,000.
Having an energy-efficient home is critical to maintaining a healthy household budget. To that end, Nest is another Habitat partner providing energy-saving technology to Habitat homeowner. In fact, Nest is making their energy-saving thermostats available to every Habitat homeowner.
Nissan is the official automotive partner for the Home is Key initiative. And, it’s practically effortless for you to contribute via Nissan. All that you have to do is to share on social media the hashtag #HomeIsTheKey,and Nissan will donate $5 on your behalf (up to $250,000). So, for example, just share this article with the #HomeIsTheKey hashtag and that $5 that you have easily donated.
Lastly, O-Cedar, makers of innovative cleaning supply technology and products, will be donating $1 for every ProMist MAX Microfiber Spray Mop sold with a total commitment of $250,000. While having a place to call home is important, ensuring that it is clean and has a healthy environment for those living there is equally critical. Learn more about O-Cedar and Habitat’s partnership.
Home is the Key
There is a difference between having a house and having a home. A home is where memories are made, where bonds are formed, and where there is a future. A house is merely a structure. But houses can easily be transformed into homes.
Habitat for Humanity, a global nonprofit organization working across all 50 states and in over 70 countries worldwide, has been building houses which become homes since the 1970s. In 1976, Habitat for Humanity International was founded, starting in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Since then, Habitat has assisted more than 13 million people in achieving stability and independence through safe and affordable shelters.
So, as you look about the walls that surround you, whether a house or a condo or an apartment or simply a room, please think about those who don’t even have that. You can help make a difference in the lives of those striving for the dream. Participate in the Home is the Key initiative and drive towards providing homes to those who deserve them.
Disclosure: This is a sponsored post, and I have received compensation (monetary & products from partners) to prepare to research it as well as write it. All opinions within this article, unless otherwise noted, are my own and are not subject to the editorial review from any 3rd party. More information can be found on my About page.
HTD says: Help transform a house into a home and enable families to achieve their dreams. Contribute to the Home is the Key campaign via time or monetary donations, or by supporting any of the core Habitat partners. Make a difference!
