Habitat for Humanity International is an ecumenical and inter-faith Christian housing ministry that builds simple, decent, and affordable houses in partnership with those in need. For many, Habitat is the faithful thing to do.
The Missouri State University Chapter of Habitat is a student run organization and was founded in 1988. The Chapter is organized with student Officers and Managers related to the construction process and family care, along with Advisors from the Missouri State community. The Chapter also has a “Constructing the Mind” tutoring program, in which MSU students tutor Habitat children.
Since its beginning, students from the Missouri State Chapter have participated in the building of more than 50 Habitat houses throughout the Midwest. This amazing number was achieved by going on numerous Spring Break work trips and by working closely with the Springfield Habitat Affiliate. Since 1999, the Chapter has arranged the complete funding for and totally built eight houses in Springfield. It has also rehabilitated a 100-year-old house for a local Habitat family. That makes this chapter one of the most active in the nation. During this 7 year time period, thousands of students have worked with this Chapter to make a difference for local families.
There is a great need for affordable housing in Springfield. Some experts estimate that it would take 4,000 houses to eliminate poverty housing in this city.
Families apply to be a part of the Habitat process. Applications are then reviewed by the Springfield Habitat Affiliate’s Family Selection Committee. To be selected, families must demonstrate a need AND the willingness to partner with Habitat and work for a home.
Habitat families are required to attend homeowner classes, put in at least 50 "pre-build" hours, work 300 “sweat equity” hours on the construction of their house, and are matched with a mentor for the first year of home ownership. The whole philosophy of this approach is that, through Habitat, families are given a “hand up”, not a “hand out”.
Habitat families are NOT given a house. The house is sold to families based on a 20-year no-interest loan. Their monthly mortgage payments go into a revolving “Fund for Humanity” that helps to fund the construction of more houses.
In freeing families from the unending struggles that accompany inadequate shelter, Habitat houses open the door to increased self-esteem and self-reliance. As the crushing cycle of poverty is broken, families are strengthened, their neighborhoods change for the better, and entire communities improve.
During the construction process, students are supervised by qualified construction personnel, but they do the vast majority of the labor (except work requiring a license). The driving force behind the Missouri State Habitat Chapter is our student volunteers, who take pride in their community and want to make a positive difference.
At the dedication service of the new house, the family is given a “Family Bible” as a part of their house warming gifts. The dedication is an emotional day filled with tears of joy and satisfaction.
The Chapter has built a financial partnership with local businesses, individuals, Missouri State student organizations and the Springfield Habitat Affiliate that makes its work possible. All gifts are tax deductible.
The Missouri State University Chapter of Habitat is a student run organization and was founded in 1988. The Chapter is organized with student Officers and Managers related to the construction process and family care, along with Advisors from the Missouri State community. The Chapter also has a “Constructing the Mind” tutoring program, in which MSU students tutor Habitat children.
Since its beginning, students from the Missouri State Chapter have participated in the building of more than 50 Habitat houses throughout the Midwest. This amazing number was achieved by going on numerous Spring Break work trips and by working closely with the Springfield Habitat Affiliate. Since 1999, the Chapter has arranged the complete funding for and totally built eight houses in Springfield. It has also rehabilitated a 100-year-old house for a local Habitat family. That makes this chapter one of the most active in the nation. During this 7 year time period, thousands of students have worked with this Chapter to make a difference for local families.
There is a great need for affordable housing in Springfield. Some experts estimate that it would take 4,000 houses to eliminate poverty housing in this city.
Families apply to be a part of the Habitat process. Applications are then reviewed by the Springfield Habitat Affiliate’s Family Selection Committee. To be selected, families must demonstrate a need AND the willingness to partner with Habitat and work for a home.
Habitat families are required to attend homeowner classes, put in at least 50 "pre-build" hours, work 300 “sweat equity” hours on the construction of their house, and are matched with a mentor for the first year of home ownership. The whole philosophy of this approach is that, through Habitat, families are given a “hand up”, not a “hand out”.
Habitat families are NOT given a house. The house is sold to families based on a 20-year no-interest loan. Their monthly mortgage payments go into a revolving “Fund for Humanity” that helps to fund the construction of more houses.
In freeing families from the unending struggles that accompany inadequate shelter, Habitat houses open the door to increased self-esteem and self-reliance. As the crushing cycle of poverty is broken, families are strengthened, their neighborhoods change for the better, and entire communities improve.
During the construction process, students are supervised by qualified construction personnel, but they do the vast majority of the labor (except work requiring a license). The driving force behind the Missouri State Habitat Chapter is our student volunteers, who take pride in their community and want to make a positive difference.
At the dedication service of the new house, the family is given a “Family Bible” as a part of their house warming gifts. The dedication is an emotional day filled with tears of joy and satisfaction.
The Chapter has built a financial partnership with local businesses, individuals, Missouri State student organizations and the Springfield Habitat Affiliate that makes its work possible. All gifts are tax deductible.