2018 Impact Study
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2018 Impact Study Report to Habitat for Humanity of Colorado October 2018 1 Title Page and Acknowledgements Report prepared by: Annette Shtivelband, PhD – Founder and Principal Consultant at Research Evaluation Consulting Anne Marie Runnels, MA – Evaluation Advisor at Research Evaluation Consulting Kimberly S. Spahr, BS – Research and Evaluation Associate at Research Evaluation Consulting Mindi Wisman, MSW - Research, Evaluation, and Writing Associate at Research Evaluation Consulting Mitchel N. Herian, PhD – Researcher and Principal at Soval Solutions Special thanks to: Eric Thompson, PhD – Economics Professor at University of Nebraska School of Business Lauren J. Gibbs – Expert in nonprofit impact communications Michael Reid Lazear – Report reviewer Jorge Palma – Native speaker translator Joe Richards – Spanish translator Acknowledgements: This report would not be possible without the generosity of Bryant Colorado, a leading provider of heating and cooling systems. In addition to supporting this research, Bryant Colorado has pledged to donate a new, high efficiency furnace to each new Habitat for Humanity home built in Colorado in the next 12 months, a total value of $200,000, ensuring comfortable homes for more than 100 families in need of decent, affordable housing. “After volunteering with Habitat for Humanity, I knew that Bryant had to be a part of the Habitat magic that is transforming communities,” enthused Tim Brooks, President of Lohmiller & Company dba:Bryant Colorado. “As a Colorado company we stand ready to do whatever it takes to build great communities where people care for one another.” 2 Table of Contents Title Page and Acknowledgements ............................................................................................. 2 Table of Contents .......................................................................................................................... 3 Executive Summary ...................................................................................................................... 5 PART 1: Introduction and Methodology ................................................................................... 10 Introduction ..................................................................................................................... 11 Habitat for Humanity ......................................................................................................... 11 Research Evaluation Consulting ......................................................................................... 12 Purpose of the Study .......................................................................................................... 12 Methodology .................................................................................................................... 14 Survey Development .......................................................................................................... 14 Master Dataset ................................................................................................................... 16 Data Analysis ..................................................................................................................... 16 Sample Size ........................................................................................................................ 17 Homeowner Zip Codes and Counties Represented ............................................................ 18 PART 2: Homeowner Results .................................................................................................... 19 Homeowner Results ........................................................................................................ 20 Homeowners and their Families ......................................................................................... 20 Demographic Information About Survey Participants ........................................................ 25 Denise’s Story: Pursue A Dream Career ............................................................................. 28 Educational Outcomes ....................................................................................................... 29 John and Amalia’s Story: Habitat Makes Home Ownership Possible .................................. 32 Financial Impact................................................................................................................. 33 Pam’s Story: The Health Benefits of a Habitat Home ......................................................... 38 Health and Quality of Life .................................................................................................. 39 Daniel’s Story: Part of a Community .................................................................................. 44 Neighborhood and Community Impact ............................................................................. 45 Feedback from Homeowners ............................................................................................. 48 PART 3: Economic Impact of Habitat for Humanity in Colorado ......................................... 55 Economic Impact of Habitat for Humanity in Colorado ............................................ 56 IMPLAN Model ................................................................................................................ 56 Financial and Employment Data ........................................................................................ 57 Volunteer Estimates ........................................................................................................... 59 Economic Impact of Habitat for Humanity Affiliates ........................................................ 59 Tax Impact of Habitat for Humanity Affiliates ................................................................... 61 3 PART 4: Discussion .................................................................................................................... 63 Discussion ........................................................................................................................ 64 Findings about Homeowners and their Families ................................................................. 64 Educational Outcomes ....................................................................................................... 64 Financial Impact................................................................................................................. 65 Health and Quality of Life .................................................................................................. 65 Neighborhood and Community Impact ............................................................................. 66 Economic Impact of Habitat for Humanity in Colorado .................................................... 66 Limitations ......................................................................................................................... 67 PART 5: Actionable Recommendations and Conclusion ........................................................ 68 Actionable Recommendations ....................................................................................... 69 Further Examine Trends in 2018 Homeowner Data .......................................................... 69 Increase Efforts to Maintain Multiple Forms of Contact from Homeowners ..................... 69 Consider Compiling Additional Baseline Data from Homeowners ..................................... 69 Conduct an Economic Impact Study Every 3 Years ........................................................... 70 Continue to Make Evaluation a Priority ............................................................................. 70 Conclusion ....................................................................................................................... 70 PART 6: References and Appendices ........................................................................................ 71 References ........................................................................................................................ 72 Appendix A. 2016 Denver Metro Survey Questions ...................................................... 74 Appendix B. 2018 Homeowner Survey ........................................................................... 80 Appendix C. Affiliate Survey ........................................................................................... 89 Appendix D. Affiliate Survey Participants ..................................................................... 92 4 Executive Summary Introduction There is a housing crisis in Colorado. Research conducted by the Shift Research Lab suggests, that, since the 2008 economic downturn, many more families live in Colorado than the housing market can accommodate. Such an increase in demand drives up the price of homes, making them unaffordable for many families (Newcomer & Resnick, 2018). Evidence of this trend is abundant; rents are rising, home prices are increasing, and the consequences are mounting. Habitat for Humanity of Colorado (HFHC) hired Research Evaluation Consulting (REC) to conduct a comprehensive assessment that measured the effect that HFHC and local Habitat for Humanity (HFH) affiliates had on Habitat homeowners, their families, and the state of Colorado. Findings focused on homeowners and their families, respondent demographics, educational outcomes, financial impacts, health and quality of life outcomes, and neighborhood and community impact. The survey also gave homeowners