New Study Reveals Impact Of Habitat Builds In Tennessee And In Chattanooga
posted September 26, 2011
While most know Habitat for Humanity as a builder of affordable homes, research by the Center for Business and Economic Research at the University of Tennessee reveals that Habitat's work in Tennessee has significant economic impact.
"Researchers determined that during fiscal year 2010-2011, the 217 home builds and 51 rehab projects conducted statewide by Habitat for Humanity affiliates supported an average of 6.24 full-time full-year jobs per completed home," said John Lamb, director of Development with Habitat for Humanity of Greater Chattanooga Area, and board member, Habitat for Humanity of Tennessee. "When you include the impact of all Tennessee Habitat affiliate's payroll and non-payroll spending this equals 1,511 jobs supported statewide."
In terms of dollars, the homes built by Tennessee Habitat affiliates in 2010 created $55.7 million in impact during 2010, or more than $230,000 per completed home according to the study.
To assess the impact of Tennessee's 51 Habitat for Humanity affiliates, staff at the Center for Business and Economic Research at the University of Tennessee looked at total payroll, employees, construction expenses, as well as non-payroll expenses incurred by affiliates in the operation of their programs during fiscal year 2010-2011 and applied Tennessee specific economic models (RIMSII) to the data.
"Bringing these numbers home to Chattanooga, Habitat for Humanity of Greater Chattanooga Area helped 7 families have simple, decent and affordable homes last year, engaged thousands of people in making a difference in their community, and created $1,610,000 in immediate impact on the local and state economy," said Mr. Lamb.
Anecdotal evidence, in the form of quotes from sub-contractors and material suppliers included in the study suggests that Habitat projects are providing a lifeline to companies who might not otherwise remain in business, according to Mr. Lamb.
"While the pace of building varies from affiliate to affiliate, Habitat's process is focused on creating immediate opportunity for families and then recycling their mortgage payments into the creation of more homes through Habitat's zero-interest funding model."
"While we are proud of the economic impact of our work, our ambitions are much higher," he said.
"Habitat is working for the day when everyone, in our city, state, country and world can have the chance to enjoy the benefits of simple, decent and affordable shelter. Opportunity creates a climate that changes the direction of individual’s lives, and bears fruit in terms of better quality of life for the whole community that cannot be measured financially."
Paula McDaniel
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Fax: 423-598-7277
Shelley Talton
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