What is Truman Heritage Habitat for Humanity?
Truman Heritage Habitat for Humanity (HFH) is an affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International--a non-profit Christian housing ministry seeking to eliminate poverty housing and to make decent shelter a matter of conscience and action. HFH invites people from all walks of life to work together in partnership to build houses with families in need. Since its start in 1989, Truman Heritage HFH has built more than 40 homes throughout Eastern Jackson County.

What does Truman Heritage HFH do and how does it work?
We build houses with Jackson County families in need. Volunteer labor is used to build houses to keep building costs low for HFH families. HFH is not a give-away program; partner families pay a down payment and a monthly mortgage payment on their home. They also invest hundreds of hours of their own labor, called "sweat equity," into building their own homes. As HFH homeowners pay their mortgages, the money goes into a revolving fund that helps build houses for other families.

Truman Heritage HFH tithes 10% of contributions to help build Habitat houses for people in need in the developing nation of Haiti.

How are Partner Families selected?
Truman Heritage HFH accepts applications from local families in need approximately twice each year. Our Family Services Committee reviews the applications and chooses families based on need, their willingness to become partners in the program, and their ability to repay the no-interest mortgage. For more information about how to apply, please visit our Be a Homeowner page for more information.

Where are Truman Heritage HFH houses built and who builds them?
Houses built by Truman Heritage HFH are located across Eastern Jackson County. In an effort to keep costs lower for our homeowners, the majority of current houses are being built in Independence. Individuals and groups from Eastern Jackson County are donating their time to help build these houses. Partner families also invest at least 350 hours of "sweat equity" into the building of their own home, or the home of another Habitat homeowner.

How big is a HFH house and how much does it cost to build one?
It costs an average of $65,000 to build a HFH house. The typical house has 1,092 square feet of finished living area. They are affordable to low-income families because there is no profit included in the sale of the house and no interest charged on the mortgage. The mortgages are financed over 10 to 25 years.

How does HFH get money to build houses?
Truman Heritage HFH is generously supported by individuals, churches, and businesses. If you are interested in making a contribution, please visit our Be a Giver page.

How can I get involved with Truman Heritage HFH?
There are many ways that you can volunteer with Truman Heritage HFH. We welcome individuals as well as groups to help on the construction site or bring lunch to feed our hungry workers. Check out our Volunteer page  for more information.

You can serve on one of our three active committees. For more information about committees, check our Committees page.

You can also attend a special event, donate materials or donate money. We would love for you to get involved! For more information, contact our office.