What Is River City Habitat For Humanity?

River City Habitat for Humanity is an ecumenical Christian housing ministry whose objective is to eliminate poverty housing from the Jefferson City area and to make decent housing a matter of conscience. We work with eligible low-income families to build quality low-cost houses which are sold to the families without profit, and financed for them on a no-interest basis.  Monthly payments made by the families then go into a fund which is used to build houses with other families.  Funds and building materials are donated by individuals, churches, businesses and other organizations.  Construction labor and support of the organization is provided by volunteers.

In addition to building houses, the work of Habitat for Humanity includes helping the homeowner families learn to better manage their finances, maintain their homes, and become assimilated as neighbors in their neighborhoods.  We work with qualified families without regard to religion, race or nationality.  By having the volunteers and the homeowners work together in equal partnership, Habitat hopes to build new relationships and a sense of community as well as new houses.

River City Habitat is an affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International, one of over 40 affiliates in Missouri.  The international organization was founded by Linda and Millard Fuller.  Each house is built with and for a particular family in need.  The houses built by Habitat in the poorest nations of the world are financed with funds contributed by the public and by affiliates in the more wealthy nations.

One of our most basic goals is "to make substandard housing and homelessness socially, politically and morally unacceptable."  The remarkable growth of Habitat throughout the world in recent years gives credibility to this challenging goal.  Our mission is worldwide in scope but local in focus, and each house built or renovated by Habitat involves a personal ministry of local people working with a specific local family in need.

Habitat's ability to maintain our organization and construct houses depends upon the generous support of volunteers.

How Big Is River City Habitat For Humanity?

The number of homes built by River City Habitat for Humanity and area volunteers grows each year. Since 1993, 58 homes have been built in the Jefferson City area -- and counting.

Who Controls And Manages River City Habitat For Humanity?

A Board of Directors of 15 people meet monthly to determine policy and to oversee operations.  Heavily dependent on volunteer labor, River City Habitat for Humanity operates with one modest salaried Executive Director and two additional staff members, assisted by the board of directors and supplemented by scores of volunteers.  Input from various committees staffed by volunteers and board members also contribute to the operations of the organization.

How Is Habitat For Humanity Funded?

Funding comes from individuals, churches, corporations, foundations and other organizations which are concerned for people in need. Mortgage payments are put into a general operating fund and recycled to build new houses. New homeowners are also encouraged to contribute what they can in addition to their monthly house payments so they, too, can help others have decent housing. Upon completion of a house, a percentage of the cost of each house $ 4,200 is sent to Habitat for Humanity International as a tithe to be used to help build houses in another country. No government funds are used to build the houses.

Is My Contribution Tax Deductible?

Yes, River City Habitat for Humanity is incorporated as a 501 (c) (3) tax exempt organization. Donations and in-kind contributions may be tax deductible.

How Much Do The Houses Cost And How Long Do People Pay?

The average cost of a house is $65,000.  Mortgages, on a no-profit, no-interest basis, are issued over a fixed time period of 20 years. Average monthly mortgage payments are $350 plus taxes and insurance.

How Are Homeowners Selected?

Families complete an application and return it to our office. The Family Selection Committee evaluates a family's application on the basis of three criteria:

• A demonstrated need for housing,
• Financial ability to buy a Habitat house, and
• Willingness and ability to "partner" with Habitat.

We receive many more applications than we can approve, given our limited resources, and each applicant family must be judged high on these criteria in order to be approved. Every project follows a policy of non-discrimination in family selection. This housing assistance is available for any qualified individual or family without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, marital status, sex or age. 

How Are Donations Distributed And Used?

All donations are distributed as designated by the donor. All gifts received by the international organization, designated for local projects of River City Habitat for Humanity, are forwarded to our organization minus a 12% administrative fee. Any undesignated gifts are used where needed for construction and administrative expenses. An audited financial statement is available upon request.

How Can I Become A Volunteer?

River City Habitat for Humanity, is always seeking volunteers. Volunteers are needed in other areas besides construction.  Help is needed at the Re-store and on committees.  The International Headquarters can put you in touch with other projects around the world. Contact River City Habitat for Humanity or Habitat for Humanity International Headquarters at the following addresses:

RIVER CITY HABITAT FOR HUMANITY
1420 Creek Trail Drive
Jefferson City, Missouri 65109
(573)635-8439

HABITAT FOR HUMANITY
121 Habitat Street
Americus, Georgia 31709-3498
(912) 924-6935