Want to improve our community by reducing poverty, crime, failing schools, drug/alcohol abuse, domestic abuse and falling property rates?
What if we told you there was something that research shows has a positive effect on all of these issues that plague our communities.
Can you guess?
If you answered home ownership, you win the prize.
For years now, social scientists have noted that when people become homeowners the trajectory of their lives, and that of their children changes for the better.
Groups such as Habitat for Humanity understand this dynamic. It’s more than a roof over a head. It’s providing a person an opportunity to become fully invested, not only in his home, but in his block, his neighborhood, his community and city.
That investment, that “skin in the game,” manifests itself in myriad ways. The data shows that home-owners are less likely to be involved in crimes of all kinds, including domestic violence. Home owners are more likely to be involved citizens, participating in their local governments, charities and interest groups. Their children do better in school and are also less inclined toward drug/alcohol abuse.
It’s worth noting that the most expensive housing is rental housing, which means poor renters spend an inordinate amount of their income on housing.
It’s good for the local economy, too. Homeowners invest in their property. That means sales for all kinds of home-related businesses.
For all of these factors, it is in the best interest of our community that more people move from renter to homeowner.
Unfortunately, there are some who will never be able to qualify for home-ownership. The good news is that there are many who could be homeowners but do not realize it.
As the prophet Hosea noted, “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.”
Thursday at the Trotter Center, The Columbus Housing Authority and its main sponsor, BancorpSouth, will hold an event that will provide that the information that would-be homeowners need to make this important transition — everything from credit to programs that assist in down payments to mortgage loans, insurance and so much more.
The Columbus-Lowndes Housing America Initiative will be held from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Oct. 12 at the Trotter Convention Center.
Experts in every aspect of home-owners will be available to provide information, answer questions and discuss options.
Homeownership is a process. Those who do not qualify now will be given the tools they need to reach that goal.
So if you are a renter, or if you know someone who is renter, spread the word about Thursday’s event
The community will be better off for it.
The Dispatch Editorial Board is made up of publisher Peter Imes, columnist Slim Smith, managing editor Zack Plair and senior newsroom staff.
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