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Abstract

Our project focuses on revitalizing the community by designing homes that reflect each homeowner’s unique preferences, fostering a sense of ownership and emotional well-being. In collaboration with Habitat for Humanity of Lafayette and guided by Ruut Veenhoven’s quality-of-life framework, we aim to create affordable housing initiatives that meet both financial and personal needs while strengthening community connections. Our work with the first homeowner, Carla, demonstrates how personalized housing enhances safety and belonging, transforming a house into a home that inspires pride.

As researchers, participating in this project has broadened our perspective beyond Purdue, especially through meaningful connections with homeowners such as Carla, as we worked together to select the best plants for Carla’s home. Engaging with the community has strengthened our collaboration and communication skills and allowed us to gain hands-on research experience. We are excited to extend our outreach to other Habitat homeowners and members of the Greater Lafayette community.

As we move into the next phase of our project, we look forward to connecting with more homeowners through interviews and surveys to better understand what families need to feel safe and connected in their neighborhoods. The meaningful connection we formed with Carla serves as a strong foundation for this work, guiding our efforts to listen to residents, learn what they value, and adapt our project to enhance their overall quality of life.

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