The Cisco Foundation and Cisco Systems, Inc have awarded Habitat for Humanity Portland/Metro East two grants that help sponsor a local Habitat home for a hard working family. Your support will help provide the construction materials volunteers will use to work side-by-side with the future homeowners, the Htoo/Thi family, together building this family a simple, decent, affordable place to live.
Many families and individuals in our community can't afford to pay for one of their most basic needs - a place to live. Believe it or not, 50% of Portland renters are living in a home they can't afford, making Oregon the second least affordable state in the nation for renters.
Habitat offers homeownership opportunities to families making 35%-60% of the local median household income ($25,865 - $44,340 for a family of four). After contributing 300-500 sweat equity hours, houses are sold at or below market value and families receive a fixed affordable mortgage. Instead of being in a vulnerable and fragile economic position, Habitat families find themselves in a position of strength.
Homeownership has a large effect on social and economic stability in the Portland metro area. Compared to renters of the same age, income, and race, homeowners are 12 times wealthier. Their children are 35% less likely to receive welfare, 20% more likely to graduate from high school, and 62% more likely to go to college. Your donation not only helps build homes, it helps build successful futures for families.
