Habitat For Humanity Looking For Homeowners

By Stephanie Malench

smalench@timestribunenews.com

The Lewis and Clark chapter of Habitat For Humanity is looking for  families interested in applying for the first annual Christian Wolf “Build for the Cure House”.

The build is going to be an annual fundraiser for Siteman Cancer Center in honor of Christian Wolf who passed away from esophageal cancer in June and the  husband of Habitat for Humanity ReStore Director Carrie Wolf

The house will be built at 501 Forest Drive in Collinsville. Ralph Jackson, Affiliate CEO for the Lewis and Clark Habitat for Humanity office in Collinsville, said construction will begin in October and they hope to have the family moved in by Christmas.

Jackson stresses that Habitat For Humanity houses are NOT give away houses. He said many people do not realize the amount of commitment that goes into applying for a Habitat for Humanity house.

Interested families must meet strict criteria, including attending a one-hour orientation session on either Saturday, August 28 at 10 a.m. or Tuesday, August 31 at 6:30 p.m. at the Meadow Heights Baptist Church, located at 1498 Vandalia St.

Only one application is allowed per family and the family must have a need for adequate shelter (current shelter is either unsafe, lacks heating and cooling, has electrical problems or leaks), be able to pay a mortgage, and be willing to partner with the volunteers (200 “sweat equity hours”- construction work, office work, community service) on building the house.

Income guidelines are based on the Federal poverty rate for 2020 and range from a minimum income of $17,400 and a maximum of $28,050 for one person to $44,120 minimum and $54,750 maximum income for a household size of 8 people.

Applicants also need to have a total debt-to-income ratio of less than 40%.

Building a Habitat for Humanity house is a community effort, and includes interns from local trade unions, churches, and other community groups.

All of the appliances placed in the new home are donated through Whirlpool and come with a one year warranty.

To donate or sign up to volunteer, go to www.lchabitat.org.