Show-Me Central Habitat for Humanity

On the south side of town, right before Old Plank Road meets Route K, a small community is under construction. At first glance, this is nothing extraordinary, especially in an area where subdivisions sprout up faster than dandelions. But Old Plank Meadows is far from ordinary. In fact, these homes, all built by volunteers, are the newest additions to the more than 113 homes local Show-Me Central Habitat for Humanity has built in its 20-plus-year history. Although most people are familiar with the name, few understand how this nonprofit, faith-based organization really works. For this reason, Show-Me board members hope to educate the public, as well as dispel a few myths, about this program that helps so many.

A helping hand, not a handout

Show-Me Central Treasurer John Keller says one of the biggest misconceptions about Habitat is that the organization gives homes away. “Habitat is a helping hand, not a handout,” he says. “Habitat homeowners make mortgage payments to us every month, just like any homeowner makes a payment to the bank.” In addition, every applicant is expected to provide “sweat equity” by working on site or helping out in another capacity.

Also, not every applicant is accepted. According to Show-Me Central Executive Director Bill View, applicants must meet a certain criteria. “We lower the bar on the income, but otherwise we look for the same things banks do,” he says, such as a good credit history. Although, he adds, making an honest effort to pay bills is more essential than having a high credit score. Additionally, an applicant’s annual income must be 30-50 percent below the county’s medium; they must also have a low debit ratio and pass a background check, which looks for illegal activities such as drug, sexual and criminal violations.

Another assumption is that because Habitat homes are volunteer-built, there is little supervision. Incoming board President Laura Gerding says though about 1,500 volunteer work hours go into every home build, each site is well monitored. Show-Me Central has two crews: the day crew, which consists of about a dozen retired builders who volunteer their services from 8 a.m. to noon, three days a week, and the weekend crew, which is lead by a local builder. According to View, both crews provide a safe worksite conducive to “building good, decent, affordable and solid houses.”

Local vision

Although it’s true each branch is under the Habitat for Humanity umbrella, the international organization does not oversee operations and make decisions locally. “Each local organization runs as an independent business,” says board member Chris Lunn. “So, all of our finances are based upon our activity here in Columbia.” For instance, a typical Habitat home in Boone County is appraised at $100,000 and sold to the new owner for $60,000. Outgoing President Mike Hill says that’s why donations are so vital, as well as proceeds from the Habitat ReStore, which receives and sells donated goods. “The ReStore is a great source of income. In fact, this year alone it grossed $200,000, up from $50,000 just five years ago.” Accepting all types of donated household items, overstocks, discontinued items, seconds and salvageable building materials, the ReStore revenue allows Show-Me Habitat to build 10 houses a year.

Finally, although Habitat is faith-based, it is not affiliated solely with any particular religion, and everyone is welcome to join or donate. Show-Me does receive financial support from a variety of local church fundraisers however. Gerding says many churches donate proceeds from long-standing annual events. “United Church of Christ has been hosting its Pancake Supper every April for about 24 years,” she says. Another April event, since 1989, is the garage sale at Broadway Christian Church, which netted $20,000 just this year. Community Methodist, which provides meeting space for the Show-Me board, holds a barbecue in July, and Calvary Episcopal has provided a Chili Supper every January since the early 1990s. Additionally, Show-Me offers several options for anyone considering a planned gift from their estate.

Raising awareness, growing volunteers

Lunn says the financial generosity of churches, local builders and individuals has been a blessing. “We don’t have a large advertising budget, we don’t have a marketing budget, so raising awareness is based mostly on one-on-one relationships,” he says. View agrees, adding it’s the volunteers who make Habitat work. “So many people volunteer,” he says. “In fact, 98 percent of those who do the real work are the volunteers.”

For more information on volunteering, serving on the board or making donations, please call the Show-Me Habitat office.

1. Scott Maledy : Past President – “It was amazing to be part of building a home in one week and getting to meet the family who moved in. Years later I was approached about joining the board and jumped at the chance.“
2. Kim Ritter : First Year on the Board – “I texted my husband and daughters pictures of me working at my first building site, and they were just as excited as I was. Being a part of Habitat gives me a euphoric feeling!“
3. Jerry Blackwell : Site Selection Committee Chair –  “He enjoys taking lunch to the volunteers on occasion. He appreciates ‘the willingness of the volunteers to do any job.‘”
4. Steve Povinelli : Second Vice President – “I started volunteering at the ReStore on a weekly basis eight years ago when I retired from state government. I am currently a real estate agent and I have good knowledge of RE market.“
5. Tom Kamps : First Year on the Board – “I worked for Boone County Lumber for a number of years. I have always thought Habitat was a great organization and was asked by a fellow board member to participate.“

1. Jennifer James : Incoming Second Vice President – “No matter how these families came to Habitat, they are all searching for a safe, clean home to grow and thrive in as a family. It’s gratifying to play a small part in making that a reality in Columbia.“
2. Mark Workman : Financial Qualifications Committee – “I did construction for Habitat years ago, and I always liked what they do. Todd Weyler, a friend of mine, got me involved with the organization.“
3. Laura Gerding : Incoming President – “I’m looking forward to being more involved with the operations and more behind the scenes, being involved in different aspects than I have before.“
4. Travis Condict : Building Committee Chairman – “I love listening to the excitement of homeowners’ children at dedications getting their own room. I also love how Habitat helps people help themselves.“
5. Chris Lunn : Fundraising Committee – “His company Veteran’s United donated the money to build a Habitat home for a veteran, and the employees worked on the job site.“

*Not pictured: Mike Hill, Dixie Fisher, Brandi Davis, John Keller, Steve Saitta, Jean Zwonitzer (church relations), Todd Weyler, Todd Hague, Marlyn Griggs (family partner coordinator).