What is Habitat for Humanity?
Habitat for Humanity International works in partnership with God and people everywhere, from all walks of life, to develop communities with people in need by building and renovating houses, so that there are decent houses in decent communities in which every person can experience God’s love and can live and grow into all that God intends.
Founded in 1976, by Millard & Linda Fuller, the Habitat for Humanity ministry has spread to all 50 states and all around the world with more than 2400 independently run affiliates.
Habitat for Humanity Kansas City is an independent affiliate of Habitat International serving the urban core of Kansas City, Missouri. We are the 7th oldest affiliate, a nonprofit, Christian housing ministry dedicated to eliminating poverty housing by bringing together people with resources and people in need to build decent, affordable homes. These houses are sold to those in need at no profit (0% interest on the mortgage). Habitat Kansas City has built more than 200 new houses in the Ivanhoe and Center City neighborhoods of Kansas City, Missouri and continues to revitalize blighted urban neighborhoods and instill a sense of pride and hope in the inner-city.
What is ReStore?
Habitat ReStore is a building materials center located in the East Bottoms of Kansas City, Missouri. ReStore accepts donations of new and used building materials from retailers, contractors and individuals and then offers those materials for sale to the general public at deeply discounted prices. All proceeds from sales then benefit Habitat for Humanity Kansas City. Visit www.ReStoreKC.org for more information.
Do you have to be a Christian to get a Habitat home?
No. Habitat Kansas City welcomes everyone regardless of religious affiliation, ethnicity, race or family dynamic. Our goal is to serve everyone equally. We are all Gods children and He guides our hand as we strive to fulfill our mission.
How do I get a Habitat home?
All homeowners must apply to be a part of our program. There are several qualifications required to own a Habitat home, including income guidelines and the willingness to partner with Habitat KC through our program. Please review the section on Owning a Home (where you can also download an application) and if you still have questions, contact our Director of Family Services.
I need housing right now, can Habitat help me?
Habitat for Humanity is not an emergency shelter organization. For information on emergency housing please contact your local United Way or call 2-1-1, a social services network, that can help you with your immediate housing needs.
Do you have to be skilled to be a volunteer?
We welcome both skilled and unskilled volunteers on our construction sites. Our only requirements are that you be at least 16 years old, attend a volunteer orientation, and have the willingness to help. If you are uncomfortable with construction work, there are lots of other opportunities to volunteer, from serving on committees, doing a food drive, collecting recyclables, or mowing lots. Check out our section on volunteering, and if you still have questions please contact our Director of Volunteer Services.
How do I start volunteering?
Each volunteer is required to complete an application (including background check) and attend an orientation. Please check our calendar and contact the Director of Volunteer Services to sign up for an orientation session. You can also click on the "Volunteer" button above to submit an interest form online and someone will contact you within a few days.
Can I just show up on a work site to volunteer?
No. Every new volunteer must go through an orientation. Regular volunteers must schedule their volunteer time in advance with the Director of Volunteer Services in order to ensure that we have the materials and supervisors available.
Can I donate materials to Habitat?
If you have building materials to donate, please do so through our ReStore. Click here for a link to the donation information on their website. ReStore is a program of Habitat Kansas City. If you have tools, office supplies, or other materials you'd like to donate, please contact our office.
How do I make a donation to Habitat KC?
To donate money, you can always mail a check to our office or click the "donate" button above to process a credit card payment online. For other options, please see the materials in our Donate section, and if you still have questions, don’t hesitate to contact our Director of Programs and Resources.
What does it cost to sponsor a Habitat house?
We have several sponsorship levels available, starting from $1,000, and each level brings with it certain forms of recognition by Habitat KC. Full new house sponsorships begin at $90,000, but vary with the size of the house & family. Rehab house sponsorships vary with the condition of the specific property. Look at our Donations page for more information or contact the Director of Programs and Resources.
How do I get my church involved with the Habitat program?
There are many ways to get your church involved in Habitat Kansas City. Sunday School classes can use the Habitat curriculum or save money in house banks. Churches can work on a house build project or adopt a family. Look at our Faith Relations page for more information about how you can get your congregation involved in the Habitat program or contact our Faith Relations Coordinator.
