A place to live

Habitat for Humanity is recognized as a success story everywhere. It pulls volunteers and families in need of affordable housing together.

"Affordable housing" for Habitat means prospective homeowners who provide a minimum of 350 hours of sweat equity and no-interest mortgages that put monthly payments well within reach and usually lower than rent.

Since the Habitat program started in Cape Girardeau 19 years ago, the organization has completed one house a year. At that pace, volunteers usually signed up for weekend duty. But momentum is growing, thanks to the involvement of organizations and churches willing to provide more workers. And with "blitz build," a Habitat home can be completed in only a few weeks.

Next year, Habitat intends to add five to eight more homes in Cape Girardeau, which means that many more families will have both decent housing they can afford as well as a sense of pride that comes with home ownership.

The need for the housing Habitat provides is real. Each year the organization receives about 60 applications from families in need of housing. The more houses Habitat can build, the more this need will be met.

Habitat also is a great experience for those who don't need a place to live, but are seeking to lend their muscle and expertise so others can move up to decent homes. Retirees, college students and so many others are brought together by Habitat projects where every contribution of time and energy is gratefully accepted.

Habitat has been good for Cape Girardeau. Congratulations to all those who have participated, and best wishes for future plans to build many more homes.