What if a single change—a safe, affordable home—could transform lives, boost financial stability, improve education, and strengthen communities? At Habitat for Humanity, we see this transformation every day. Through shelter, we empower families to build strength, stability, and self-reliance.

In 2025, housing insecurity is one of the biggest challenges facing families worldwide. Rising costs and systemic barriers leave many struggling to afford basic shelter. But Habitat’s mission offers a solution: affordable homeownership that creates ripples of change far beyond just having a roof over one’s head.

Here’s why a safe, decent home matters more than ever.

Financial Stability

Owning a home is one of the most effective ways to achieve financial independence. U.S. homeowners typically have net wealth four times greater than renters with similar demographics, and each year of homeownership adds thousands of dollars to a family’s financial security.

Habitat’s affordable mortgage program makes this possible for families earning just 30–60% of the median income. In Salt Lake City, Habitat has built 117 homes, providing families with housing that costs less than rent.

Educational Opportunities

A stable home gives children the foundation they need to thrive in school:

• Children of low-income homeowners are more likely to graduate high school and attend college.
• Stable housing reduces school disruptions, improving academic performance and confidence.

When families no longer face constant moves or unsafe living conditions, children can focus on their studies and achieve their full potential. This is the power of stability.

Health Outcomes

Affordable housing is a critical factor in improving health and well-being. When families no longer have to spend a disproportionate amount of their income on housing, they can invest in healthier food, regular healthcare, and other essentials. Additionally, reducing overcrowded living conditions minimizes the spread of illnesses like respiratory infections, creating a safer and healthier environment for families. 

Habitat homes are designed to provide a safe, stable environment, giving families the opportunity to focus on their well-being instead of worrying about basic shelter.

Civic Engagement

Homeownership builds stronger communities:

• Homeowners are more likely to join neighborhood groups and vote in local elections.
• Stable housing fosters a sense of belonging and connection within communities.

Habitat homes create more than a stable environment for families—they create engaged, vibrant neighborhoods where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

Sustainability

Habitat homes also benefit the planet through sustainable design. Energy-efficient features, including weatherization, significantly reduce energy costs for families, providing much-needed financial relief while lowering environmental impact.

For families who often spend three times more of their income on energy than higher-income households, these savings are life-changing.

Why This Mission Matters

Our work is grounded in a singular vision: A world where everyone has a decent place to live. This is more than just an aspirational goal—it’s a commitment to action. At Habitat for Humanity, we believe that a strong home builds a strong family, stable housing lays the foundation for opportunity, and self-reliance is achievable when families have the tools and support they need.

By uniting around this shared story of empowerment and collaboration, we inspire people around the world to join our mission and be part of something bigger. Together, we can do more to create a world where every family has the chance to thrive.

How You Can Help

The ripple effects of affordable housing are undeniable, and everyone has a role to play. Here’s how you can join the Habitat mission:

1. Volunteer: Help build homes and experience the transformation firsthand.

2. Donate: Every dollar helps families achieve strength and stability.

3. Advocate: Share the importance of affordable housing with your social network and policymakers.

Together, We Build a Better Future

A safe, decent home is the foundation of brighter futures. It gives families the strength, stability, and independence they need to succeed. With your help, Habitat for Humanity can continue transforming lives and building communities where everyone has a place to call home.

Let’s build a better world together. Are you ready to make an impact?

When you picture Jimmy Carter, images of a peanut farmer turned president might spring to mind, or perhaps his Nobel-winning dedication to peace and human rights. But here’s the twist: Carter’s most transformative chapter began after his White House days, not in grand halls of power, but on construction sites with a hammer in hand. Partnering with Habitat for Humanity, Carter didn’t just build houses—he built hope, futures, and a legacy of compassion that reshaped countless lives.

The impact of President Jimmy Carter and First Lady Rosalynn Carter on Habitat for Humanity was vital to our success. Today, we join the world in mourning the death of Mr. Carter, who has been on hospice care since February 2023.  He was preceded by Mrs. Carter, who died on November 19, 2023.  Read Habitat for Humanity International's tribute to the Carters here. 

Habitat for Humanity International has created a memory book, and we encourage you to share your remembrance. 

“I think every human being has within himself or herself a desire to reach out to others and to share some of our blessings with those who are in need. What’s opened up that avenue for me and my wife and hundreds and thousands of others is Habitat for Humanity. It makes it easy for us to reach out and work side by side with the homeowner who’s never had a decent house, perhaps. I haven’t been on a Habitat project that I wasn’t thrilled and inspired and wept.”

– President Jimmy Carter

The Carters' Impact

After leaving the White House, the Carters sought out meaningful ways to continue their commitment to social justice and basic human rights. They first volunteered with Habitat for Humanity in Americus, Georgia, near their home of Plains, in March 1984. Later that same year, the Carters joined Habitat volunteers in New York City’s Lower East Side to renovate an abandoned building in partnership with families in need of affordable housing. That trip marked Habitat for Humanity’s first Jimmy Carter Work Project (later renamed the Jimmy & Rosalynn Carter Work Project). Annually until 2019, the Carters volunteered with Habitat to build or improve houses alongside homeowners in communities across the United States and around the world. President Carter also served as a member of the organization’s board of directors from 1984-1987.   

Throughout his tenure as head of state and in the years following, President Carter never wavered from his commitment to advancing peace, health, and human rights. Since 1984, the Carters have traveled 167,279 miles to build, repair, and rehabilitate 4,417 houses in 14 countries, working alongside 106,100 volunteers. Their final project took place in 2019, building 21 homes in Nashville, Tennessee.

The Carters and their example have rallied thousands of volunteers, supporters, and celebrities to take part in our mission, helping Habitat for Humanity become internationally recognized for our work in building decent and affordable housing. They’ve touched the lives of tens of thousands of Habitat homeowners and volunteers and inspired millions across the globe. 

Learn more about the Carters' work on Habitat for Humanity's website.

Opening Doors

Locally, we created Opening Doors, an interactive tribute to the Carter's commitment to Habitat for Humanity and affordable housing. The project started out with two plain white doors, symbolizing how the Carters opened doors to brighter futures for thousands of low-income families over nearly four decades. The doors were posted at the Utah Capitol building after Mrs. Carter's death, thus beginning their transformation to art began as members of the public signed their names and wrote personal messages.    

Opening Doors will be on display at various locations in Salt Lake through February. Check back for updates. 

Our name has changed as we welcome the residents of Davis County to our service area!