Habitat for Humanity MetroWest/Greater Worcester: Creating a Data Collection Tool

Abstract

Our team worked with Habitat for Humanity MetroWest/Greater to construct a data collection tool. Prior to the creation of this tool, Habitat MW/GW had trouble communicating with its partnered families. This tool will enable the Habitat MW/GW to improve its relationship with families and convey the effectiveness of their organization to funders. Through research, and by interviewing philanthropists and partner families, our team was able to craft a tool that will fit the needs of all parties involved.

Project Sponsor

As federal policy shifted focus away from providing for affordable housing for low-to-moderate income individuals, there has been an increasing need for involvement from non-profits on the state and local levels. One of the leading non-profits involved in providing affordable housing is Habitat for Humanity. Since its founding in 1976 by Millard and Linda Fuller in Americus Georgia, Habitat has expanded to nearly 1,400 communities in the U.S. alone, and 70 countries worldwide. Habitat for Humanity MetroWest/Greater Worcester serves 42 cities and towns in the MetroWest/Greater Worcester region of Massachusetts. Habitat for Humanity MetroWest/Greater West recently completed it’s 50th home build in the fall of 2018 and as of early 2019 has 36 partner families with another family soon becoming the 37th. Families are selected to be partner families based on need, willingness to partner, and ability to pay. In MetroWest/Greater Worcester, families need to have an income that falls between 30-60% of the towns average median income. Habitat’s vision is not only one that provides for decent, affordable housing, but empowers families through their process of homeownership.

Project Goal & Objectives

Goal: The goal of this project was to develop a data collection system for Habitat for Humanity MetroWest/Greater Worcester.

Objective 1: Develop a data collection tool for tracking partner families.

Objective 2: Pilot new data collection tool.

Objective 3: Create a user manual for Habitat for Humanity’s future use or modification of the data collection system.

Student Researchers

Final Report