Edisto Habitat for Humanity has a broad range of impacts. This includes impacts on health, environmental and educational outcomes, civic and social engagement, the financial stability of Habitat families and local economies.

Lack of affordable housing can seep into every aspect of life. It forces low-income families to live in substandard rentals that consume much of their income for rent and energy costs. This leaves little money for food, healthcare, transportation, and education. Families often move from rental to rental, seeking lower housing costs, which triggers educational instability for children.

Habitat for Humanity International, Inc. has undertaken a comprehensive research initiative to understand the profound impact of safe, affordable housing. The findings of this extensive research are detailed below.

Social determinants of health encompass how people are born, grow, live, work, and age and affect their health outcomes.

​These include aspects ranging from socioeconomic status to the neighborhood and physical environment, and multiple healthcare organizations and other groups recognize them as necessary for improving overall health and reducing health disparities.

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The location and condition of a child’s house play a significant role in their physical, cognitive, and emotional development and well-being, which impacts their education through improved attendance, better cognitive and behavioral health, and improved academic achievement. Making direct connections between housing and its impact on children’s education is challenging. However, studies have drawn a pathway between owning a decent, affordable, and stable home and experiencing positive educational outcomes.​

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The lack of affordable housing seeps into every part of life.