About Habitat for Humanity
Habitat for Humanity works in partnership with God and people everywhere, from all walks of life, to develop communities with God’s people in need, by building and renovating houses. Habitat families live in safe, decent houses in communities in which people can live and grow into all that God intended.
Currently, more than 1,500 affiliates in the United States and 550 international affiliates coordinate Habitat house-building projects in over 3,000 communities around the world. Habitat has helped build over 500,000 decent, affordable houses and served more than 2 million people around the world. At present, Habitat for Humanity affiliates build one house every 26 minutes. The mission of Habitat for Humanity of Springfield is to provide affordable housing opportunities for families in Greene County, Missouri.
Habitat Springfield's History
Groundwork to develop a local Habitat for Humanity affiliate began in the early 1980s. Habitat for Humanity of Springfield was formally affiliated in 1988, when the first house was built. Since 1997, Habitat of Springfield has built 6-8 houses each year in partnership with families in need. In 2005 the Board of Directors and Staff hoped the affiliate would soon be building 10-15 homes per year. We now currently build between 8-12 homes a year.
In 1998, the Board of Directors and community partners began the development of a 51-house subdivision—McAL (Model Community for Affordable Living)—using State CDBG and Federal HUD/SHOP grant funds for infrastructure, and all support to build the houses was locally donated. The last house in McAL was completed in 2006.
Early in 2006, groundbreaking began on a new planned community north of Springfield. This new 18-acre development, called "Legacy Trails" was designed to provide up to 56 homes for deserving families in Greene County. Since 2006, 24 homes have been built in partnership with 24 deserving families. The beginning of 2012 will begin with the construction of six (6) homes being built in what is considered "Phase Two" of the community, through a program coined "Six by Six".
In 2010, Habitat for Humanity began a new program for construction called Project ReHabitat. This program was a way to revitalize neighborhoods by purchasing foreclosed homes, renovating them to like-new standards and placing families into the newly renovated homes. During 2010 Habitat completed 10 such projects.
During 2011 Habitat was donated a plot of land located in northwest Springfield by Metropolitan National Bank, which was later named "Builders’ Circle". This mini-development currently has four homes with the capacity for five total in its cul-de-sac setting.
The amazing thing about this development is the partnership with our local Home Builders Association (HBA), along with many sponsors, volunteers, and donors. The homes in the Builders' Circle are unique to Habitat in that they are the first ever "green-built" Habitat homes that we've constructed! All four homes are both Green Certified and Energy Star rated, which sets a new standard for future Habitat homes in the Springfield area. We are committed to building smarter, more efficient homes for a number of reasons; less environmental impact, lower utility costs, less material cost, but mostly because it's just the right thing to do! See lots of pictures HERE
To date 132 homes have been built in partnership with deserving Greene County families, benefiting 500+ adults and children. Habitat Springfield will complete up to twelve more homes during 2012, bringing the total to 144 homes completed.
Click HERE to see the Habitat Springfield facebook fanpage.
About Habitat Partner Families
Habitat families are selected on the basis of need, ability to pay, and willingness to partner in the program. A partner family buys the house for the value of the materials, with no down payment and a no-profit, no-interest loan. The cost of a 2, 3 or 4 bedroom home ranges from $56,000 to $68,000. The monthly house payment, including taxes and insurance, ranges from $279 to $400 a month for 15 to 20 years. Families are required to complete 350 hours of “sweat equity” to build their homes. Sweat equity creates better homeowners and develops pride of ownership, valuable skills, and strong communities and neighborhoods.
Click HERE to apply for a home in partnership with Habitat for Humanity of Springfield, MO.
About the ReStore
Habitat for Humanity of Springfield operates the Habitat for Humanity ReStore, a discount building materials store, to raise funds to build more houses. New and gently-used items are donated and discounted up to 75% of retail value. Sales have grown from less than $20,000 in 1999, to more than $230,000 in 2005, and more than $750,000 in 2011.
Click HERE to see our ReStore facebook page.
