Research Methodology
The Greater Indy Habitat for Humanity 30-Year-Impact Study data collection used a mixed method approach in data collection and analysis. Data collection and analysis consisted of four parts—a focus group with the affiliates’ Homeownership Advisory Committee, a main survey (online and mail), interviews among a representative sample of 77 (or 20.1%) of the of homeowner households, and a property valuation analysis of properties intervened by or near the Greater Indy Habitat for Humanity intervention. All the findings reported in the body of this report reflect the results of the focus group session, main survey, interviews, and property analysis.
Data Collection and Analysis
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Focus Group |
A focus group was conducted with the Greater Indy Habitat for Humanity Homeownership Advisory Committee. The Homeownership Advisory Committee is an ad hoc group of current Habitat Homeowners who volunteered to help provide advice on current and future family-related programming provided by the affiliate. Six members of the Homeownership Advisory Committee were selected to participate in a focus group to help develop and test the homeowner impact survey questionnaire distributed as part of the study.
Surveys |
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Online surveys: Online surveys were disseminated by e-mail and text messaging to all current homeowners of the affiliate where e-mails and phone numbers were provided via a list supplied by the Greater Indy Habitat for Humanity staff.
Mail Surveys: Surveys were mailed to the remaining households where no current phone or e-mail address were available. The mail surveys distributed to addresses provided by the Greater Indy Habitat for Humanity staff. The addresses were selected using a random sample method. Each mailed survey included an introductory letter explaining the study and compensation for completion.
The survey was developed by Sagamore Institute in collaboration with Greater Indy Habitat for Humanity staff and Homeownership Advisory Board. For the main survey instrument there were 77 valid surveys completed. The vast majority of the surveys were completed online (N=68 or 88.3%). In addition, a total of nine valid mail surveys (11.7%) were collected. Most survey respondents lived in their Habitat home for five years or less (50.0%). A second supplemental survey instrument was distributed to Greater Indy Habitat Homeowners verifying monthly household and utility expenses Pre- and Post-Habitat homeownership. This survey was administered via text message and e-mail. There were 50 valid surveys completed.
Mail Surveys: Surveys were mailed to the remaining households where no current phone or e-mail address were available. The mail surveys distributed to addresses provided by the Greater Indy Habitat for Humanity staff. The addresses were selected using a random sample method. Each mailed survey included an introductory letter explaining the study and compensation for completion.
The survey was developed by Sagamore Institute in collaboration with Greater Indy Habitat for Humanity staff and Homeownership Advisory Board. For the main survey instrument there were 77 valid surveys completed. The vast majority of the surveys were completed online (N=68 or 88.3%). In addition, a total of nine valid mail surveys (11.7%) were collected. Most survey respondents lived in their Habitat home for five years or less (50.0%). A second supplemental survey instrument was distributed to Greater Indy Habitat Homeowners verifying monthly household and utility expenses Pre- and Post-Habitat homeownership. This survey was administered via text message and e-mail. There were 50 valid surveys completed.
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Interviews |
Two rounds of interviews were conducted with Greater Indy Habitat for Humanity current Habitat Homeowners (head of households). Interview participants were identified by their responses to mail and online surveys, based on their demographic profiles and willingness to participate. Thirty-five participants were initially recruited via telephone, e-mail, and text messaging, with the expectation that 15 to 20 participants would agree to participate.
Overall, there were 26 interview participants. Most interview participants have been Partner Families for six or more years.
Overall, there were 26 interview participants. Most interview participants have been Partner Families for six or more years.
Property Analysis |
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The Sagamore Institute conducted property valuation analysis of properties intervened by or near the Greater Indy Habitat for Humanity intervention. The purpose is to examine and evaluate the impact of Greater Indy Habitat for Humanity’s efforts on property values, local government tax base, and other positive externalities through the study of taxable values in the neighborhoods where the affiliate implemented redevelopment interventions (i.e., new builds or rehabs), regardless of the Habitat Homeowner household composition. To evaluate the impact of the Greater Indy Habitat for Humanity’s new construction and rehab activities, Sagamore researchers used property assessment and sales data provided by the Indiana Department of Local Government and Finance and the Hancock, Hendricks, Johnson, and Marion Counties Assessor offices. The data was used to develop economic models to estimate the impact of program-related benefits directly realized as part of the Greater Indy Habitat for Humanity 30-Year-Impact Study.
For a detailed summary of the research methodology visit www.indyhabitat.org/study to download the full report.
For a detailed summary of the research methodology visit www.indyhabitat.org/study to download the full report.