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. But we are not a give-away program. Partner families pay a down payment and a monthly mortgage payment. 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 gives 10% (a tithe) of our contributions to help build Habitat houses in other parts of the world, particularly Haiti.

How are Partner Families selected?
We accept applications from local families in need twice a 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. Neither race nor religion is a factor in choosing partner families.

Where are Truman Heritage HFH houses built and who builds them?
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.
One way to get involved is by joining our Carpenter's Club. Donors agree to make a donation of $25, $50 or $199 every time a home is completed. Carpenter's Club donations then become the seed money needed to start construction on the next home for a family in need.

How does Truman Heritage HFH work with the government?
HFH does not accept government funds for the construction of new houses. HFH does accept government funds for the acquisition of land, development of streets and utilities, and for administrative expenses so long as the funds have no conditions that would violate HFH's principles or limit its ability to proclaim its Christian witness.

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.
You can also serve on one of our committees. For more information on 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.