HABITAT FOR HUMANITY BUILDING HOMES, HOPE

For the past several months, the city of Cape Girardeau has spent a significant amount of time and money researching public housing alternatives.

At the same time, the local chapter of Habitat for Humanity has been building a home at 1515 Water St., for an area family who could not otherwise afford it.

"The housing task force is meeting and studying, and trying to come up with solutions to housing low income people," said Miles White, pastor of the Westminster Presbyterian Church and a board member for Habitat for Humanity. "We've been out actually doing the work, one house at a time."

Habitat for Humanity came to Cape Girardeau in November 1986, after some local residents helped another chapter with a project in Hayti Heights.

Since they started, Habitat has renovated two houses -- one on Hanover Street and one on Ranney Street -- and have built a new house on Good Hope Street. Right now, members and volunteers are waiting for a break in the weather so they can complete construction on the Water Street house.

"We've got four more lots available to us and will take on as many projects as we can," said White. "We hope to be able to complete at least two houses this year; three in 1995."

The principle belief of Habitat for Humanity is that everyone should be able to have affordable housing, said White. The organization works with donated money, materials and services to make the dreams of area families come true.

"Before we ever get started with a house, we lay the cornerstone by selecting the family who will live there when we're done," said White. "Then we can tailor the house to the size of the family and their needs."

Families are referred to the organization through area churches, social workers, public housing officials and private citizens. The families meet with counselors for an interview.

"We look for a family who can and will pay the rent and earn a living," said White. "We are also looking for a family who because of social position, income or size could not otherwise afford to build the equity needed to buy a house.

"We look for good citizens deserving of adequate housing," he said.

The family then signs a "contract" with Habitat for Humanity, promising at least 350 hours of "sweat-equity" which they will put into the construction of their home.

After the home is constructed, it is "sold" to the family in the form of a 20-year, no-interest note. Average monthly payments range from $200-$250, depending upon the size and assessed value of the home. The rent money is used by Habitat to build more homes.

"The houses are what you'd call `no-frills' kind of places, but they have heat, air conditioning, modern appliances -- all the amenities we've come to depend upon," said White.

Plans for new homes are usually drawn up by an area architect who donates his time. Much of the supplies and building materials are donated; those that are not are purchased with money which has been given to the group.

"The board has 18 regular volunteers, but can have as many as 60 people we can count on to help out," said White. "On top of that, we have area contractors, electricians, plumbers or other skilled workers who come and donate their services.

"There is a lot of resources out there for us to draw from," he continued. "We just have to be lucky enough to find them. So far, we've been very lucky."

The poor weather conditions and the flooding last year slowed the group's progress greatly.

"We're anxious for spring to come," said White. "We've got no pressing deadline; we just like to keep things moving so we can get the families into their new homes."

Habitat not only builds the homes, they also help the families move in and get settled. The organization will even teach the family how to make payments on the home and to keep a balanced checkbook.

"We also teach people how to care for their homes and to keep them in good repair," said White. "A lot of people who have never owned property don't know much about basic home maintenance."

White said that Habitat is not just building homes, it is building community spirit.

"A lot of the people we've built homes for come out and help us build homes for other people," said White. "It really promotes a sense of community, a sense of home."

Anyone interested in volunteering or donating to Habitat for Humanity can call White at 334-4344 or 334-6229.