Nodaway County Habitat Fact Sheet

Frequently Asked Questions about Habitat for Humanity:

Is there a housing problem in Nodaway County?

Yes, this is not just a problem in larger cities; it affects even the smallest communities and rural areas.  According to a 2000 U.S. Census report, there are numerous families in Nodaway County living in substandard housing. 

What is Nodaway County Habitat for Humanity?

Nodaway County Habitat for Humanity is a non-profit, nondenominational Christian housing ministry seeking to eliminate poverty housing and to make decent shelter a matter of conscience and action.  Habitat invites people from all walk of life to work together in partnership to build houses with individuals and families in need.

What does Nodaway County Habitat for Humanity do and how does it work?

Habitat for Humanity is not a charity or give-away program.  Habitat for Humanity will build houses in Nodaway County for families in need.  Volunteer labor will be used to build houses and to keep building costs low for Habitat partner families.  Partner families pay a monthly mortgage payment.  They also invest hundreds of hours of their own labor (sweat equity) into building their own home.  As Habitat homeowners pay their mortgages, the money goes back into a revolving fund that helps build more Habitat homes for more partner families.

How are partner families selected?

Applications will be accepted once a year at an Orientation and Informational Night for Habitat for Humanity.  Our Family Selection Committee will also offer two days of application assistance for interested partner families.  After the orientation and two-day assistance, the Family Selection Committee will then review the applications and choose the families/individuals based on the biggest need, willingness to partner, and ability to repay the no-interest mortgage.  A Home Visit will also be conducted in determining which family has the greatest need.  Neither race nor religion are a factor in choosing partner families.  Individuals and families are both encouraged to apply.

Where will Habitat houses be built and who will build them?

Nodaway County Habitat for Humanity houses will be built in Nodaway County.  We anticipate building one house a year with our first project to take place in 2004.  Individuals and groups can donate their time and energy to help build these homes.  Partner families invest at least 250 to 500 hours of sweat equity into building their home. 

How big is a Habitat home and how much does it cost to build?

We estimate, in Nodaway County, it will cost about $50,000 to build one Habitat home.  The typical house has 1100 square feet of finished living area.  Most houses will have three bedrooms and one bathroom.  These houses will not have garages or carports.  They are affordable to low-income families because there is no profit included in the sale of the house and no interest charged on the mortgage.  The mortgages are financed between a 12 and 20 year period. 

How does Nodaway County Habitat for Humanity get the money to build houses?

Nodaway County Habitat for Humanity seeks support from local area churches, businesses, corporations, organizations, individuals, and other religious congregations.  Special fund-raising events will also be held throughout Nodaway County to help raise money to build.

How does Nodaway County Habitat for Humanity work with the government?

Habitat for Humanity does not accept government funds for the construction of new houses or for the renovation or repair of existing houses.  Habitat does accept government funds for the acquisition of land or houses in need of rehabilitation.  Habitat also accepts government funds for streets, utilities, and administrative expenses, so long as the funds have no conditions that would violate Habitat's principles or limit it's ability to proclaim its Christian witness.

Habitat for Humanity is new to Nodaway County, tell me about your organization's foundation?

Everyone wants to drive nails.  However, a strong foundation is necessary to provide the platform for hammering.  One of the most important times for Nodaway County Habitat for Humanity is now.  Successfully organizing a Habitat for Humanity is an intensive process.  There is a great deal of research being done on housing needs in the county, legal steps necessary to become a non-profit corporation, recruiting committee members, raising money, and many other responsibilities.  Nodaway County Habitat for Humanity applied for its affiliation status and is waiting to hear back from Habitat for Humanity International.  Our affiliation date is scheduled for October 2003.

How can I become involved with Nodaway County Habitat for Humanity?

There are many different ways you can volunteer with Habitat for Humanity.  As we are just beginning, we are in need of individuals to serve on our current committees.  These include:

What can I do to help Nodaway County Habitat for Humanity?

We need your financial support.  If you or your group would like to help raise money for Nodaway County Habitat for Humanity or would like to serve on a committee, please contact us. 

Contact us at:        Nodaway County Habitat for Humanity

                              P.O. Box 274

                              Maryville, MO  64468

                              660-582-2530

            

 

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