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Habitat director urges stronger state partnerships to expand homeownership outcomes
Summary
A Habitat for Humanity affiliate director (Spencer) told the committee that homeownership by Habitat participants improves child outcomes and reduces reliance on government assistance, and he urged quicker DCA paperwork and deeper collaboration to scale home production.
A director from a Habitat for Humanity affiliate, identified in committee remarks as Spencer, urged the committee to strengthen partnership with DCA to expand homeownership. Spencer cited a study his affiliate commissioned with Georgia Tech and Kennesaw State showing improved educational and economic outcomes for Habitat homeowners and said, "When I was little, I had my grandmother, Fannie Mae Price, told me something I'll never forget, was don't sell your land because it's the only thing that they don't make more of." He described Habitat’s model—selection based on need, ability to pay and willingness to partner—and said his affiliate amortizes typical houses at 0% interest to keep payments low.
Spencer told lawmakers Habitat has low foreclosure/default rates (about 1–2% in his experience) compared with much higher local foreclosure rates during the downturn and said his affiliate currently builds roughly 1,200–1,400 homes nationally and can expand capacity with stronger state collaboration and faster paperwork from DCA. Lawmakers asked about homeowner contribution requirements; Spencer said some affiliates require up to 500 volunteer hours while others stagger selection and construction so homeowners typically reach 200 hours before construction begins.
