June marks National Homeownership Month.
June marks National Homeownership Month, an opportunity to celebrate the important work we do together to make home possible.
National Homeownership Week began in 1995, which was a strategy of the administration under President Bill Clinton to increase homeownership across America. Later, in 2002, President George W. Bush expanded the period of observance from a week to the entire month of June. National Homeownership Month reinforces the belief that owning a home is one of the steps towards achieving the American dream.
We invite you to learn more about the benefits of homeownership.
Outcomes associated with homeownerhsip
Improving affordable homeownership leads to numerous outcomes that extend beyond the house. In the U.S., these include greater economic stability, access to quality education, increased civic and social engagement, better health, and a reduced environmental footprint. Through a series of evidence briefs, Habitat is bringing to light research on the impact that affordable housing has on individuals and families at home and beyond.
Celebrating 10 years as a homeowner…
Ten years ago, Gia Brown, a single mom raising three young children in Loudoun County, was living in a small 2-bedroom apartment, struggling to make ends meet. Her dream of having a safe and stable home for her young family was just a dream with little hope of coming true.
Then one day everything changed, and her dreams began to take shape when she applied to the Loudoun Habitat for Humanity Homeownership Program. “When I entered the Habitat program, and learned I could purchase my own home, I was filled with mixed emotions. I was super excited but also nervous and anxious about taking on such a big responsibility,” she explained.
Meet Loudoun Habitat’s most recent homeowners
After a long and challenging journey, the Bekele family found a place to call home. In March, Loudoun Habitat for Humanity dedicated its 59th home to Mekdes and her two children. The children cut the ribbon on the 3-bedroom Leesburg townhouse that will provide a stable and secure future for the Loudoun County family.
Working hard as an operating room and emergency room technician for many years, Mekdes overcame financial and housing hardships, at one-point commuting from Richmond to a job at Reston Hospital. Difficult situations resulted in the family leaving Richmond and living in a shelter before they could get space in a transitional housing program. From there, they were able to move into a 2-bedroom apartment in Loudoun County where they have been living recently.
Loudoun Habitat’s Homeownership Program
As active participants in building a better future for themselves and their families, qualified Loudoun Habitat for Humanity homebuyers are in need of better housing, willing to partner with Loudoun Habitat for Humanity, able to pay an affordable mortgage and much currently live and consistently lived in Loudoun County for 12 months.