HABITAT FOR HUMANITY INVESTS IN THE FUTURE

Habitat for Humanity is a truly a success story. The not-for-profit Christian housing ministry aims to make the dream of home ownership come true for families close enough to poverty level to qualify for food stamps.

Typically, such families pay rent for years for housing in neighborhoods that are frequently undesirable. Unable to save up a large down payment or qualify financially for a home mortgage, these folks seldom become home owners.

But the Habitat plan works at several levels: It requires the prospective home owner to put in 350 hours of labor. Community volunteers assist with the construction, providing an opportunity for service that is unparalleled. Potential buyers must be able to earn at enough to make a $250 monthly house payment. And there is an incentive to stick with the payment plan for a long term. New owners of Habitat homes acquire the equity in their houses after 20 years. During this time, they are likely to keep up the house as owners rather than renters.

So far four homes have been built through the Habitat program in Cape Girardeau. More are planned. Congratulations, Habitat for Humanity, for providing a long-lasting community service.