At Habitat Edmonton, we’ve seen firsthand how safe and stable housing can change lives. Now, a new nationwide study from Habitat for Humanity Canada, conducted in partnership with Deloitte, confirms just how far those benefits reach — beyond the front door, and deep into our communities and the Canadian economy.
The 2025 report, Building Homes, Communities and Hope, explores the social and economic effects of Habitat’s Affordable Homeownership Program. More than 600 Habitat homeowners across Canada shared their experiences in a comprehensive survey — and the results are remarkable.
Key findings include:
- $7,525 average annual income increase per household — more than three times the increase seen by similar renters
- $64.8 million in total additional income earned by Habitat homeowners since 2006
- $311 million in economic activity generated by Habitat’s construction work from 2019 to 2023
- 73% report improved physical health, and 79% report better mental health
- 50% of parents say their children are doing better in school
- 51% of families say their financial security has improved
These outcomes validate what we’ve long known: affordable homeownership is transformative. It creates the stability that allows individuals to pursue education, improve their health, earn better incomes, and participate more fully in their communities.
If you’re looking for a way to support long-term solutions to Canada’s housing crisis, this study makes it clear — investing in affordable homeownership delivers real, measurable results.
