Habitat for Humanity receives largest grant to date

Habitat for Humanity of Springfield, Missouri Inc. received a $750,000 grant, the largest in the nonprofit’s history.

Abby Glenn, development director for the local Habitat for Humanity chapter, said the funds would be used to conduct 40 home repairs for Greene County residents. Homeowners can apply through Habitat for Humanity’s home repair loan program, called Creating Healthy Homes, she said.

The grant is through the Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines’ Competitive Affordable Housing Program and its member bank, Springfield-based Guaranty Bank. A grant check presentation was held this morning at the Habitat for Humanity ReStore, 2410 S. Scenic Ave., according to a news release.

“We are thrilled to expand our home preservation and repairs through the Creating Healthy Homes program and assist our neighbors who are in need of a safe and secure home,” Habitat for Humanity of Springfield Executive Director Larry Peterson said in the release.

Funds are earmarked for repairs or replacements of roofs, mechanical systems, windows, doors and siding; repairs or upgrades of plumbing and electrical systems; and repairs of foundations, sewers and septic systems.

Each project has an average of $18,750 available, according to the release.

Homeowners who participate in the program will be required to sign a five-year deed restriction, meaning they’ll only have to pay back funds if they sell or refinance their houses within five years, said Nancy Williams, partner services director for Habitat for Humanity of Springfield. She added approved homeowners would have to meet certain income thresholds to qualify for the affordable housing work.

Habitat for Humanity of Springfield has built or renovated more than 632 homes since 1988, according to the release.