HABITAT FOR HUMANITY MAKES A DIFFERENCE

Home ownership is out of reach for a number of Americans. While many could make the monthly payments, some people have trouble saving a large enough down payment.

Habitat for Humanity is making home ownership a reality for deserving families. The homeowners must make a small down payment and provide 350 hours of sweat equity in helping to build the house.

The local program has built five houses in Cape Girardeau in the last five years. The average cost of a three-bedroom Habitat house is $38,000. Homeowners aren't charged interest on their mortgage.

The most ambitious local Habitat undertaking is currently under way, thanks to two churches.

Members from First Baptist Church and Cape LaCroix United Methodist Church are constructing two homes, side by side, on Green Acres Drive. This is an impressive commitment on the part of these church congregations. These earth-bound angels aren't just watching over the house, they're building it.

First Baptist Church will also provide the materials, which is the first time a church has agreed to help with the entire construction project -- from labor to funding.

These church members join a host of other community volunteers committed to this extraordinary program. A third Habitat house is also under construction. It is one of 10 nationwide being funded through the Oprah Winfrey's Angel Network. Part of the funding is also coming from Maxwell House Coffee, which plans to build 100 Habitat homes in 100 weeks across the country.

Local volunteers are always welcome. There's plenty to do since three houses are under construction. For more information, call 334-4344 weekdays between 8 a.m. and noon.

These Habitat homes represent an old-fashioned barn-raising -- an opportunity for the community to come together to help neighbors in need.

Worried about the state of the world? Just mosey on down to these three houses and see kindness and camaraderie in action. Habitat for Humanity not only helps people, it also builds community.