EVANSVILLE (October 3, 2008) - The University of Southern Indiana Center for Applied Research will release a report of a study it conducted on the impact of Habitat for Humanity of Evansville during the Downtown Rotary Club meeting at noon, Oct. 7, at The Coliseum, 300 Court Street.

The report examines the economic, social and psychological impact Habitat has had on the families who purchase Habitat homes and on the neighborhoods in which it builds. Four separate studies were conducted, including a quantitative survey of more than 100 Habitat homeowners, face-to-face interviews and a neighborhood impact study that examines more than 80 neighborhoods in which the Evansville affiliate builds.

“We believe this to be the most comprehensive study of its kind in the country,” said Dr. Susan Ellspermann, director of the USI Center for Applied Research. “This study showed the overwhelmingly positive impact Habitat for Humanity of Evansville has had on making home ownership affordable to qualifying families, improving the financial, educational and psychological well-being of these families and improving the neighborhoods in which they live.”

The following professors conducted the study and will be present at the Rotary meeting.

• Dr. Iris Phillips, Associate Professor of Social Work
• Dr. Stephanie Bennett, Assistant Professor of Physical Education
• Dr. Marie Opatrny, Assistant Professor of Social Work
• Dr. Ronda Priest, Associate Professors of Sociology
• Dr. Mohammed Khayum, Professor of Economics, Dean of College of Business

A copy of the full report will be available on Oct. 7 on Habitat for Humanity of Evansville’s web site.

About Habitat for Humanity of Evansville
Founded in 1984, Habitat for Humanity of Evansville is a nonprofit Christian ministry whose mission is to build and sell simple, decent houses to hardworking families in Vanderburgh and Posey counties. We partner with individuals, churches, businesses and civic organizations who share our vision to make adequate, affordable housing for all a matter of conscience and action.

To be eligible, families must have incomes at or below 60 percent of the area median income. They must have a need for housing, be willing to contribute 300 hours in sweat equity and have the ability to pay their mortgage based on a 25-year, no-interest loan.