RAISE THE ROOF: a message from Pat Turner, President/CEO - July 2016
As I reflect on celebrating America's freedom on July 4th, I can't help but think about what freedom means to the homeowners we serve at Habitat. Often times, the extent of our personal freedom is wrapped up in our financial security and our ability to live a happy life. However, for many of the families we serve, freedom to them means getting out of sub-standard housing into a safe, decent and affordable home. One such family was able to celebrate that freedom with the purchase of their home to enjoy their new-found freedom with their family.
Habitat for Humanity provided the opportunity for our newest homebuyers - The Scassellati Family - to purchase a home with a zero percent interest mortgage, after completing 350 hours of sweat equity towards their home and showing that they truly had a need for this home. They were stuck in an apartment that had mold and was causing health issues for them and their children. Their new home that they move into this month will be affordable and healthy for the entire family. The family said "we have enjoyed every step we have taken together with the volunteers and the staff in getting our home ready for our family" at their recent house dedication.
This dedication was celebrated in June, since it was National Homeownership Month, and what better way to celebrate the American Dream of home ownership. It was quite the event as we had some "extra special" guests, including Congressman Cleaver, Commerce Bank, the City of Independence, Maywood Baptist Church and the Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines, who were some of our key partners in making this opportunity possible for the homeowners. Congressman Emanuel Cleaver, II shared his story of sub-standard housing as a young child with the crowd and spoke of the pride his father had from owning his own home and bragged about having the "greenest" lawn on the block.
I humbly ask you to celebrate and pray with me for the changes ahead in the lives of the Scassellati family as they enjoy freedom from sub-standard housing! Our continued thanks to our community for helping us enrich and sustain the lives of this family and others with safe, decent, and affordable housing in our neighborhoods.
Blessings,
Patricia Turner, President & CEO
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Scassellati House Blessing
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Congressman Emanuel Cleaver, II wasted no time in handing over the keys to our newest homeowners, bringing smiles to everyone close enough to see the exchange!
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We are so excited for our second session of the Financial Peace University program! This plan offers practical steps to get rid of debt, manage your money, spend and save wisely, and much more!
The 9-week class will be Tuesday evenings from July 12 through Sept 6 at 6pm. It's not too late to join.
If you are interested, please call Crystal McLain (816)461-6551 x 222 or email [email protected].
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Money Smart KC
Money Smart KC has launched a new website that offers easy access to EVERYTHING financial. Whether you need to improve credit, find emergency services, or budget for a big purchase, you'll find it at
www.moneysmartkc.org.
Explore the website to find tips and tools on a variety of topics to help you can manage and grow your money towards financial freedom today.
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Stop the Debt Trap!
On June 2, 2016 staff, board members and volunteers from Habitat for Humanity participated in a rally at Barney Allis Plaza. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) released proposed rules to regulate payday and small loan lending. Hundreds of people were gathered to show their support at the hearing to protect low-income borrowers from the debt trap of high interest loans. Our very own President/CEO, Pat Turner was asked to speak as well!
Why is this issue important to Habitat? Many of our potential homeowners come to us because their debt ratio is too high for them to obtain their freedom through a traditional mortgage. They are often victims of these payday lending loans that have interest rates as high as 400%! With a loan like that, they will be trapped for years trying to repay it. Our Financial Literacy Counselor works with families to consolidate their loans, reduce debts and achieve the financial freedom it takes to purchase a home either on their own or through Habitat for Humanity.
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Welcome New Churches
A great big shout out to our faith partners who have newly joined or returned to work on job sites and/or in the ReStore:
Eastside Baptist Church
Blue Springs Church of the Nazarene
Blue Springs Assembly of God
First Baptist Church of Blue Springs
Faith United Methodist Church
If you have a church group that might be interested in volunteering together on one of our job sites or in the ReStore, give us a call at 816-461-6551 or send an email to [email protected]
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Donate, Shop and Volunteer
in our
Independence
505 North Dodgion Avenue
Independence, MO 64050
Monday- Friday: 9:00AM - 5:00PM
Saturday: 9:00AM - 3:00PM
Blue Springs
1219 NW 7 Highway
Blue Springs, MO 64014
Monday- Friday:
10:00AM -6:00PM
Saturday: 10:00AM - 4:00PM
For more information, or to schedule a donation pick-up:
816-886-7374
Volunteer with us
Have some free time? We could really use your help! Consider joining us in one of the Truman Habitat ReStores or a construction site!
Volunteer opportunities are available six days a week!
and our volunteer coordinator will contact you!
Take part in Cars for Homes Program
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Save These Dates!
Friday, September 30th
Hard Hats & High Heels
Signature Event
Adam's Pointe Conference Center
Blue Springs, MO
Saturday, November 5th
Pumpkin Smash 5k
Waterfall Park
Bass Pro Independence
March 11, 2017
Power of the Purse
Please start setting aside any new or gently used purses you'd like to donate to this event. We had such a great success with the first one, we plan to do it again!
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Wanted - New Bibles
New King James or NIV Bibles are needed for upcoming house blessings as gifts to our new homeowners.
If your church, Sunday School/small group/women's or men's ministry would like to supply some new bibles for the house blessings, please contact Linda at 816-461-6551, ext 227. They can be picked up at your church or you can deliver them to our office at your convenience.
Thank you!
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Mission:
Seeking to put God's love into action, Habitat for Humanity brings people together to build homes, communities and hope.
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