In the past year, thanks to generous donors and more than 2.1 million volunteers, Habitat for Humanity helped nearly 3.5 million people around the world build or improve an affordable place they can call home. With a “hand up” from Habitat, more families have acquired the skills, confidence and opportunity they need to build healthier, more financially stable lives.

This is true for people like Edith, a Habitat homeowner in San Francisco who expressed, “If it was not for Habitat, my life would have been focused on surviving. And here I am with a master’s degree, and my children are thriving.”

In Habitat for Humanity’s 2017 annual report, Edith and several Habitat homeowners from around the world share how owning an affordable home serves as the foundation for the strength, stability and self-reliance they and their children need to thrive.

“For more than 40 years we have been partnering with families and individuals around the world to help improve their housing conditions. We have seen firsthand how access to an affordable mortgage or loan can help homeowners save more, focus more intently on education and feel more financially secure,” said Jonathan Reckford, CEO of Habitat for Humanity International. “Through the hard work of our volunteers, donors, corporate partners and, most importantly, our Habitat homeowners, we have helped more than 13.2 million people become empowered to build better lives for themselves and their families.”

In fiscal year 2017, Habitat partnered with millions of people in more than 1,300 communities in the United States and across more than 70 countries through new home construction, rehabilitation, incremental improvements, repairs or improved market access to affordable housing as a result of a Habitat program.

An additional 2.6 million people have gained the potential to improve their housing conditions, thanks to our advocacy efforts and the information and training that we provide.

Habitat also continued to strengthen its voice through two campaigns to improve access to affordable housing in the U.S. and abroad. In April 2017, Habitat launched a nationwide cause movement, Home is the Key, calling attention to the critical need for affordable housing across the United States. Habitat also grew its international advocacy campaign, Solid Ground, which has measurably improved the way people access land for affordable housing around the globe.