By Debbie Robinson
news@joplinglobe.com
JOPLIN, Mo. —
Michele Maxson received a gift Friday morning when Habitat for Humanity volunteers and supporters broke ground on her new house.
“This is the best Mother’s Day present I’ve ever got,” Maxson said. “This is very exciting.”
Maxson, a single mother and employee at Dillon’s Supermarket, will live in the house with her three children: Randell, 18; Sadie, 14; and Antwone, 13.
The family currently is renting a two-bedroom cramped apartment, but in three to five months will move into a new home at 819 S. Picher Ave.
The Maxson house will be the 30th Habitat for Humanity home built in Joplin since the local chapter was formed in 1989.
Scott Clayton, executive director of the local chapter, said the group would like to build four houses this year.
“We’re going to keep going,’ Clayton said. “It’s not a simple thing, it takes work.”
Habitat for Humanity relies on volunteer labor, in addition to professional home builders, to construct the houses.
Donations of materials also play a role in keeping the house affordable to the new homeowner.
Habitat houses are sold to families using no-interest loans, 20-year loans and no down payment, Clayton said.
The prospective homeowners are selected based on an application procedure.
The prospective homeowner is required to contribute “sweat equity,” meaning that they must assist in the construction work.
Maxson said her monthly mortgage payment will be less than what she pays now in rent.
“We’re proud to be a part of the Habitat family,” she said.
Lori Byrd, who is the owner of the 29th house, spoke about her appreciation of her home.
“Dreams do come true,” she said. “Every day I wake up and think about how great this is. This is ours.”
Byrd said she and her children would be volunteering to help build Maxson’s house.
“This is the most rewarding job I’ve ever had, other than being a mom,” Byrd said.
Volunteers and supporters lifted six gold shovels to officially begin the building project.
Empire District Electric Co. cleared the lot of trees and vegetation, and banks provided assistance with seeking grants to pay some costs.
The homeowners’ monthly mortgage payments will be used to build more houses.
Worldwide number
Habitat for Humanity, a nonprofit Christian housing ministry, was founded in 1976 and has built more than 350,000 houses worldwide, according to the organization’s website.
