Week One: Child Development

This week we focus on child development and how Habitat for Humanity influences healthier, stronger children in our communities.

“Habitat works to eliminate children’s experiences of substandard housing, thereby supporting their growth and development. These efforts are essential, and we urge the expansion and support for such programs by citizens and governments alike.” – Rebekah Levine Coley

Your support of our mission this week enables us to serve more local children, increasing their chances to thrive, by partnering with their parents to secure safe and affordable housing. Your support can take on many definitions: financial contributions, donation of time by committing to a long-term volunteer schedule, advocate for Habitat by sharing with others through social media and outreach, serving on committees, shopping at our ReStore locations and donating furniture and building supplies, too.

Click the links to learn more: DONATE – VOLUNTEER – ADVOCATE – DONATE TO A RESTORE

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Growing up in a decent, affordable home can have a powerful effect on children. Studies draw a straight line between the quality, location and affordability of housing and a child’s ability to thrive.

On the other hand, low-quality housing — often accompanied by pests, poor ventilation, lack of heat and other detrimental factors — has been strongly linked to physical health problems for children.

In addition, the stress that parents experience due to living in poor conditions can translate into emotional and behavioral problems in their children. Children whose families who are forced to move frequently in search of better, more affordable living situations often struggle. And parents paying too much for a place to live too often must deplete financial resources that otherwise could be invested in their children’s health, education and futures.

“By building and restoring safe, clean and healthy housing, Habitat works to eliminate children’s experiences of substandard housing, thereby supporting their growth and development.” – Boston College’s Rebekah Levine Coley and Tufts University’s Tama Leventhal

Surveys of families with safe, stable and affordable housing show fewer health problems, improved school performance, less psychological stress and more self-assured parents.

Wherever Habitat for Humanity works, strong and secure homes contribute to strong and secure families.

(link to original article)