Housing boost

The Cape Area Habitat for Humanity organization has been aggressively building new houses for families who are willing to contribute sweat equity and meet income guidelines.

These are families who would not qualify for home mortgages. Through the Habitat program they can become owners of decent housing.

The Habitat program relies on tax credits to encourage donations of goods, services and cash, all of which keep the cost of owning a volunteer-built house affordable for families with modest incomes.

State tax-credit regulations, however, limit the incomes of participating families. With increases this year in the minimum wage, two-earner families of four no longer qualified.

Thanks to a bill introduced and supported by state Sen. Jason Crowell and state Rep. Clint Tracy, both of Cape Girardeau, in this year's legislative session, the limits have been adjusted. Gov. Jay Nixon signed the bill, which was passed without opposition in both houses of the legislature. It goes into effect Aug. 28.

Thanks to a cooperative effort of Habitat supporters and state officials, the housing program can continue to expand to meet the needs of families who need help in acquiring good, affordable housing.