One of humans' four basic needs for survival, shelter is more than a means of keeping rain off our backs, wind off our necks and sun out of our eyes. Houses become homes because they provide stability, they foster growth, they allow us to lead better lives.

Born out of necessity, Lancaster Lebanon Habitat for Humanity (LLHFH) has been providing housing for Lancaster County residents for 38 years. Now the affordable housing organization is introducing a new program intended to expand its footprint in the county and beyond.

"Homeownership is a game changer for families," said Amy Balestier, LLHFH's vice president of development and communications. "When they can build wealth, (homeowners) can build their own brighter futures. When you're living paycheck to paycheck, that isn't possible. What we have found is that when people own their homes, their children are more likely to go on to college or own their own homes. In essence, we're helping to fund the future. It doesn't stop with one Habitat home. There are a lot of success stories."

LLHFH has launched an ambitious $4 million campaign called Open Doors, which is designed to address the ongoing shortage of affordable housing. LLHFH has already raised the first $3.2 million toward its goal and is seeking to garner the rest through appeals, public and private donations and special events.

"A safe, dry, warm and affordable home offers a family a new chapter in life and the opportunity to build a brighter future," said Andrew Szalay, LLHFH's CEO and president. "Open Doors is an important path to Habitat's capacity to make a bigger impact on our local housing needs. Maybe you're a low-income renter and you want to be part of the American Dream. You may not have a security deposit (to rent a home), much less a down payment (to purchase a house). It's a mountain to climb. It's almost out of the question for some families. But it's something that Lancaster Lebanon Habitat for Humanity is overcoming."

With the money it raises, LLHFH hopes to provide 30 houses, either through new construction or the renovation of existing structures, to first-time home buyers by 2026. The constructions currently being considered are located in the city of Lancaster, Columbia Borough and the city of Lebanon.

"We're both the builder and the lender, so we can work on the finances to get people into these houses," said Szalay. "How did we get here? Our population has grown, and our sophistication has grown, and the costs of houses have risen over the years. It's become more profitable to build bigger houses. We're here to empower first-time home buyers."

From a total of 115 applicants, LLHFH is currently serving 22 locals interested in affordable housing.

"They're the fabric of our community," said Balestier. "They're helping make our community run, but they can't afford to live here. Many are coming from a rent situation and can't afford to continue to rent. We have applicants who are single. Most are families with children who are looking to live near their work or where their children go to school. We want to build where our families want to live. It makes life a little easier."

LLHFH is one of 2,100 affiliates of Habitat for Humanity across 100 countries. Since being established in 1986, the local chapter has provided over 250 new or renovated homes.

For additional information about Lancaster Lebanon Habitat for Humanity's Open Doors program, https://lancasterlebanonhabitat.org and click on the Open Doors page.