#1 ECONOMIC IMPACT
The Need:
52.3% of the population of Mexico live below the national poverty line. Source: The World Bank Group 2012
20% of homes (5.4million households) exist in inadequate conditions. Of these, 58% (3.2million homes) need to be rehabilitated, improved or expanded, and 42% (2.2million homes) need to be completely replaced. Source: Valencia 2011
1.14 million homes have walls or roofs constructed with flimsy materials. Source: Valencia 2011
Positive Impacts of Housing a Family:
A debt-free home helps leverage families out of poverty. Conquering the perceived impossibility of owning a home gives a family confidence for victories in other areas of life, and hope for a better future.
With adequate shelter, families are kept warm and healthy. Funds can then be used to purchase resources for school and other necessities.
# 2 EDUCATIONAL IMPACT
The Need:
Children who are homeless are not able to focus on their education among the distractions and hardships that come with their situation. Source: Hand 2010
Homeless children face obstacles including health problems, hunger, transportation difficulties, and lack of necessary school clothing and supplies. These factors are linked to low school attendance rates. Source: Rafferty 1995
Positive Impacts of Housing a Family:
A stable home environment encourages learning and promotes academic success. A home with a cement floor improves cognitive development by 36-96%.
Children are more likely to attend and stay in school without the distractions and obstacles that come with homelessness.
Success in school and learning has long-term implications for a person’s future productivity, career prospects and worldview.
# 3 HEALTH IMPACT
The Need:
Lack of personal hygiene, good nutrition, basic first aid, access to adequate health care and funds for medical treatment result in the complex health situation of families without homes. Source: National Coalition for the Homeless 2009
Diseases that are common among those who are homeless include heart disease, cancer, liver disease, kidney disease, skin infections, HIV/AIDS, pneumonia, and tuberculosis. Source: O’Connell 2005
Positive Impacts of Housing a Family:
Preventative health care and medical treatment are improved. A house with a cement floor, as opposed to a dirt floor, leads to a 78% reduction in parasitic infestations, 49% reduction in diarrhea and 81% reduction in anemia. Disease, injury and physical ailments from exposure are significantly lessened.
The stability and safety of a home environment are important for establishing and maintaining mental health and welfare, significantly lowering rates of depression and perceived stress. Quality of life is increased for a family living in a home.
#4 TRANSFORMATIONAL IMPACT
The Need:
Families without an adequate home, experience rejection and isolation from their communities, leading to a questioning of their own identities and significance. Source: Friedman 2000
Families facing homelessness are more likely to separate or dissolve as they often experience instability, stresses, health and safety challenges and trauma. Source: Hand 2010
Positive Impacts of Housing a Family:
A home provides a safe and welcoming environment for families to invite others in and demonstrate hospitality to their community.
Families are able to function and relate in a healthy manner without the prolonged and persistent traumatic experiences associated with homelessness.
#5 SPIRITUAL IMPACT
The Need:
Families struggling with basic issues of survival find it difficult to see beyond their circumstances. They can experience a sense of loss and hopelessness.
People in need can find it difficult to have faith in the promises of God for relationship, restoration and redemption.
Positive Impacts of Housing a Family:
The gift of a home is a practical demonstration of God’s love for a family.
Families who receive a home are inspired to respond by giving back to others in need, leading to transformed communities.