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No Shortage of Inspiration During International Women’s Month

No Shortage of Inspiration During International Women’s Month 1200 801 habitatdetroit

From Habitat Detroit staff, to volunteers, to homeowners, we don’t have to look far for inspirational female figures, stories, and mentors during International Women’s Month! Just take a look at our last three home dedications. All three homeowners are single mothers who put in years of hard work–not just for themselves, but for the future of their children. And that’s just in the last three months!

This growing number of female homeowners at Habitat Detroit is especially motivational given the relatively short history of female homeownership. Until 1900, women could not even own property in all 50 states. On top of that, women couldn’t get their own mortgages (without a male co-signer) until 1974! How far we’ve come!

We want to take a moment and recognize all of the women out there who have had a hand in making Habitat Detroit what it is today!

Did you know…

Across the U.S., single women own 2.71 million more homes than single men

In 1981, 73% of home buyers were married couples, 11% were single women and 10% were single men. Today, those shares stand at 59% married couples, 19% single women, and 10% single men.

Single women own and occupy 10.76 million homes in the U.S.

It wasn’t until 1900 that all states allowed women to hold property in their own names

It wasn’t until 1974 that women were apply for and obtain mortgages on their own —without a male co-signer

The median age of a single female first-time homebuyer is 38, compared to 37 for a single male

Women spend about 2% more when they buy a house than men and sell for 2% less. As a result, they realize 1.5% annualized lower returns, or $1,600 a year, on their homes. Sounds small, but it adds up to $20,000 over 13 years (the U.S. average length of homeownership)

Welcoming New Homeowners to Morningside

Welcoming New Homeowners to Morningside 1200 800 habitatdetroit

Schaterika Matthews is the latest homeowner to be welcomed to the Habitat Detroit family, and she’s proud to show her young daughter that homeownership is possible. Ms. Matthews joins the growing list of hardworking people who have earned the title of Habitat Detroit homeowner.

The Matthews are the second family to become homeowners through Habitat Detroit this year.

“Becoming a homeowner is remarkable to me because this opportunity offers us generational wealth, certainty, and soundness,” noted Schaterika Matthews. “Any mother would want something to pass on to their child, and this house gives me the ability to do that. My daughter has had the joy of going through this homebuying process with me. It has changed my outlook and perspective on homebuying and real estate. I’m now building wealth and want to obtain the most out of life by being a homeowner.”

Homeownership through Habitat Detroit is a multi-year process that takes a lot of dedication and hard work on the homeowner’s part. Attending financial counseling, homeowner classes, and putting sweat equity into building the home represent some of the steps along the way to becoming official homeowners.

Hard Work and Dedication Make Local Mother of Three a Homeowner

Hard Work and Dedication Make Local Mother of Three a Homeowner 1200 800 habitatdetroit

Raising kids is anything but easy. Add in the stress of housing instability, high rent, and frequent moves to the equation and it makes the joys of parenthood even harder to enjoy. Thanks to her commitment to becoming a homeowner and enrollment in Habitat Detroit’s Homeownership Program, Latasha Caldwell and her three children now have a house to call home. The family will mark the milestone of becoming homeowners with a home dedication ceremony thrown by Habitat Detroit on March 13

“Becoming a homeowner is significant to me since it will offer my family and me comfort, security, and stability,” noted homeowner Latasha Caldwell, mother of three kids ages 18, 12, and 2. “We are incredibly grateful to all of our supporters who are helping us realize this dream.”

The Caldwells are the third family to become homeowners through Habitat Detroit this year. Join the family, Habitat staff, and volunteers to celebrate the new homeowners:

March 13 at 4pm
Lincoln Park, MI 48146
(address available upon request)

Homeownership through Habitat Detroit is a multi-year process that takes a lot of dedication and hard work on the homeowner’s part. Attending financial counseling, homeowner classes, and putting sweat equity into building the home represent some of the steps along the way to becoming official homeowners.

Congratulations, Dawn Elliot — recipient of the Habitat Detroit Mission Impact Award

Congratulations, Dawn Elliot — recipient of the Habitat Detroit Mission Impact Award 1200 800 habitatdetroit

Congrats to Dawn Elliot, a Habitat Detroit Mission Impact Award winner! Dawn is a Loan Officer at First Merchants Bank and has assisted us in six home closings (with one more pending)!

The Mission Impact Award is given to those whose partnership, dedication, and hard work align with Habitat Detroit’s mission of providing greater access to safe and affordable housing.

We’re grateful for Dawn’s immeasurable expertise and dedication to helping homeowners navigate complex details during closings. On behalf of our entire Habitat Detroit team, we extend our deepest gratitude to her for being an incredible partner. Her commitment and heart have truly helped us in building homes, communities, and hope in Detroit!

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