Support & Celebrate National Homeownership Month

June 1 marks the start of National Homeownership Month! Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity is proud to celebrate this time dedicated to recognizing the many benefits of homeownership. This year, we are focusing on celebrating community because when we come together to support affordable homeownership and racial equity in housing, we can build brighter futures for more local families.

Focus on Community

Community is at the heart of everything we do at Twin Cities Habitat, and we're taking this month to recognize three important groups:

• our special community of Habitat homeowners
• our dedicated community partner organizations
• our BIPOC and LGBTQ neighbors and community members

Throughout June, we'll share impactful stories from several of our homeowners. In their words, they will reflect on the obstacles they've overcome and the ways homeownership has changed their lives. We'll also thank our dedicated community partner organizations, without whom our work wouldn't be possible. And finally, as June also kicks off Pride Month, we're centering the voices of guest bloggers reflecting on the intersection of their Black and queer identities in their unique journeys to homeownership.

Check out our blog throughout June to read these stories celebrating Homeownership Month and Pride Month!

The Importance of Homeownership

Twin Cities Habitat believes everyone deserves a decent, stable, affordable place to live. Through years of research, we know that stable housing is essential to childrens' well-being and also affects child development. We know that affordable housing helps local schools and raises standardized test scores; it helps taxpayers and builds stronger, more vibrant communities. And the physical, mental, and financial benefits of owning a home are life-changing. 

Stable, affordable housing is also a significant racial justice issue as Minnesota has one of the worst racial equity gaps in homeownership. Each and every day, Twin Cities Habitat is focused on reducing the barriers to homeownership for people of color who have endured centuries of racist housing policies. And when we improve our programs for those most impacted by housing discrimination, our program will become better for everyone who partners with us.

Habitat Programs

If you or someone you know is interested in homeownership, we may be the right partner, and now is a great time to get to know the programs and services we offer. Through Twin Cities Habitat’s Homeownership Program, more than 1,600 families have bought affordable homes throughout the seven-county metro area. And so far in 2023, more than 33 families have achieved their homeownership dreams! 

Even if someone does not meet our Homeownership Program requirements, we offer Financial Coaching to take steps necessary to become mortgage-ready.

We not only work to create homeownership opportunities, but to preserve homeownership for those who are struggling. Twin Cities Habitat offers a Mortgage Foreclosure Prevention Program with counseling and resources for homeowners behind on mortgage payments or property taxes. We also offer home repairs and modifications to help keep people in their homes. 

Join Us

Join us in supporting and celebrating National Homeownership Month! Like and share our stories and blogs posted on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. We’ll be using the hashtags #HabHomeMonth and #NationalHomeownershipMonth. We encourage you to use the hashtags to share your own passion for homeownership.

There are many other ways to show your support during National Homeownership Month:

• Share our First-Time Homebuyer Guide with a friend or family member who may be interested in buying their first house.
  
  
• Sign up to volunteer on a build site this month or this summer.
  
  
• Read the latest legislative recap to learn which affordable housing efforts we're advocating for.
  
  
• Sign up for our Advocacy Action Alerts to amplify your support through actions like signing a petition or emailing a policy maker.
   
• Learn about the intersection of race and housing and what needs to change in our Race & Housing blog series.
  
  
• Make a gift to support Habitat’s mission in your local community.
  
  
• Shop, donate, or volunteer at one of our ReStore home improvement outlets. All proceeds from ReStore directly support Twin Cities Habitat's mission.
  
  
• Learn about the TruePath Mortgage product from TCHFH Lending, Inc. – a fixed-rate, low-interest mortgage with affordable payments set at no more than 30% of gross income.

However you choose to participate, we hope you'll help us support National Homeownership Month!