Questions about Building Homes, Hope and Community

If you want to get involved with Habitat for Humanity of Springfield or would like to apply for Habitat homeownership, the following answers to frequently asked questions can provide more information. If your questions aren’t answered here, you can call 417.829.4001.

What is Habitat for Humanity of Springfield?

Habitat for Humanity of Springfield is an affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International, a non-profit, ecumenical Christian housing ministry. Founded in 1976, Habitat for Humanity works to provide decent, safe and affordable housing to those in need. As an extension of Habitat International, the Springfield affiliate strives to fulfill the same mission: Providing shelter to our neighbors in need. Habitat Springfield operates with the support of community volunteers and donations.

How does Habitat Springfield work?

With community support, volunteer labor and donations of money and materials, Habitat Springfield builds and ReHabilitates homes alongside our partners. These homes are not giveaways; rather, Habitat homeowners invest hundreds of hours of their own labor into building their homes and the homes of other Habitat partners. These homes are sold to our partners at no profit to Habitat Springfield and are financed with affordable, no-interest loans. Habitat homeowners’ mortgage payments are used to build yet more Habitat homes.

Do I have to be a Christian to build or renovate with Habitat Springfield?

No. Habitat for Humanity is based on Christian principles, and we’re committed to partnership with people everywhere. We do not discriminate based on race, religion or nationality, and we welcome volunteers, donations and Habitat partners from all walks of life.

How are Habitat partners chosen?

Families or individuals seeking decent shelter must first apply for homeownership through Habitat Springfield. A selection committee selects partners from those applicants based on level of need, willingness to partner and ability to repay the loan. Habitat partner selection is nondiscriminatory. None of the following - race, color, religion, handicap, familial status or national origin - is a factor in choosing the families who receive Habitat homes.

Do I have to live in low-income housing to build or renovate with Habitat Springfield?

Habitat partners are not required to currently live in low-income housing to be chosen for Habitat homeownership. Partners must demonstrate that they are in need of decent housing.

If I receive public assistance, social security, food stamps, etc., am I eligible for homeownership?

Yes. Habitat Springfield requires only that your source of income be legal, steady and verifiable.

How do I apply to become a Habitat Springfield homeowner?

Applications for homeownership are distributed only during an orientation session; several sessions will be held in January, 2011. You may fill out our online Habitat homeownership information request form or send us a self-addressed, stamped envelope to be notified when the orientation session schedule is finalized.

Is there a waiting list?

We work with multiple applicants at the same time. If selected as a Habitat partner, there may be a waiting period, but we make every effort to house each person or family as quickly as possible.

What are the income guidelines for Habitat Springfield homeowners?

Each family chosen to partner with Habitat Springfield must meet income requirements. We require that a family earn between 25% and 50% of the median income for Greene County, based on the number of people in the family.

How do I volunteer with Habitat Springfield?

If you'd like to donate your time—or even building materials or cash—you can contact us by completing the form on our volunteer page or call us at 417.829.4001. We continually seek volunteers to help us build homes, hope and the Springfield community. Many volunteering questions are found on the volunteer FAQ page.