Page 41 - BusinessWest October 28, 2024

“There’s this deep impact that hap- pens with the family that’s selected and becomes a homeowner, but there
are also hun- dreds of vol- unteers who are impacted as well, and
I think that’s often under-” appreciated.
instability as a renter — whereas, when you own your own home, that gives you certainty to say, ‘OK, I’m putting down roots in this community.’”
She noted that Habitat International has
done studies showing improved educational, health, and economic outcomes stemming from home ownership. “I’ve also heard anecdotal stories about our homeowners pursuing higher education or different job opportunities because they have that stability.”
Aelan Tierney, president of Kuhn Riddle Architects & Designers, nominated McDonough as a Woman of Impact, having worked with her during her time at CET, focusing on sustainable and energy-efficient building practices, and, more recently, having provided pro bono design services for sustainable Habitat building projects.
“Over these years, we have been witness to
Megan’s unwavering passion and commitment
to developing affordable, sustainable homes,” wrote Tierney, a Woman of Impact herself. “Her work has empowered many women and families of marginalized racial identities to achieve the first step in building generational wealth through affordable home ownership.”
Tierney noted that McDonough and her team have especially impacted the lives of single parents, many of whom never imagined home ownership would be achievable. In fact, of the 58 houses
the nonprofit has completed, 60% are owned by female heads of household.
“Research reveals that Habitat homeowners go on to achieve higher levels of education, more advanced jobs, and better health outcomes than their non-homeowning peers,” Tierney added, “and as taxpaying members of their communities, they have more voice in and impact on their local towns and neighborhoods.”
Impact that ripples outward into the community and across generations — that’s Habitat for Humanity in a nutshell, and it’s also McDonough’s passion.
Megan McDonough (center) with Charles Roberts and Aelan Tierney of Kuhn Riddle Architects & Designers, which has provided pro bono design services for Habitat for Humanity projects.
Building on a Vision
McDonough was quick to explain what Habitat does — or, more specifically, dispel some common misconceptions, like the notion that the homeowners are getting a free house.
“Habitat for Humanity builds homes for low-income families and then sells it to them with an affordable mortgage. And we do that to build strength, stability, and self-reliance for those future homebuyers,” she told BusinessWest. “We don’t give away homes for free. They do purchase them, but at a price that’s much more affordable than you could find in this area on your own.”
That’s an especially big deal these days, as home prices are soaring. Equally important is the work the homeowners put into the projects.
Womeno
IMPAC
A PROGRAM OF BUSINESSWES
omen of
MPACT
A PROGRAM OF BUSINESSWEST
BusinessWest
Women of IMPACT IMPACT A PROGRAM OF BUSINESSWEST
2024 W19
A PROGRAM OF BUSINESSWEST
Tf WI
T Women of
WOMEN
Impact