Partnership With Habitat And MLB A Home Run For Local Families
By: Drew Moore
Updated: July 9, 2012
JOPLIN, MO-- Major League Baseball, Joplin Habitat for Humanity, and State Farm Insurance sponsored the All Star Build. The project will build a total of 5 homes in Joplin by the end of the year. The first three homes were handed over to three families in a ceremony today on Connor Street. Joplin Habitat For Humanity Director Scott Clayton says partnerships like the All Start Build, and the Governor's Challenge are helping many families with affordable homes. "We have 27 other houses under construction, and plan on doing 17 more this year." Clayton explains. "Our goals are about 55 to 65 homes."
The impact that Joplin Habitat for Humanity has had since last years tornado is hard to miss. Paul Dimeo, one of the designers on the show Extreme Makeover Home Edition was surprised at how different the neighborhood looks. "To be able to come back to Joplin, and see this neighborhood literally change." He explains. "I mean from 8 month ago, we were here building 7 homes across the street, now habitat has three here, one more going up down the street."
The Thompson, Gutierrez, and Hayes families helped build their homes. They will have a zero percent mortgage for 20 years. Clayton says they are always looking for families to help. "Whether they are displaced by the tornado, or just need a better place to live. Habitat hopefully can build a house with them."
