Frequently Asked Questions

St. Joseph Habitat for Humanity builds homes in St. Joseph for income qualified families in need of decent, safe, and affordable housing. Our mission is to eliminate substandard housing in the St. Joseph community. Volunteer labor is used to build new homes which keeps mortgages extremely affordable for our selected families. In most cases the mortgage is cheaper than rent. This is not a giveaway program. Partner families pay a down payment and monthly mortgage payment. They also invest hundreds of hours of their own, family, and friends labor called “sweat equity” into the construction of their own homes. This enables them to learn skills that will help with maintaining that home for their lifetime. It truly becomes their “Forever Home”!

As Habitat for Humanity homeowners pay their mortgages, that money goes into a fund that helps build houses for other families.

Funding and programs can change so keep checking back to see what other services may be available as we are continually working on ways to revitalize our community neighborhoods.

All Habitat for Humanity homes are currently being built within the St. Joseph city limits.

Individuals and groups from St. Jsoeph and the surrounding area donate their time to help build these homes. Partner families, and their family and friends, also invest at least 400 hours of “sweat equity” into the building of their own home, or the home of another Habitat homeowner.

The typical three-bedroom home has a little over 1,000 square feet of finished living area. Sizes can vary due to family or lot requirements.

It costs an average of $90,000 to build a St. Joseph Habitat for Humanity home. This is well below industry new-construction home costs due to volunteer labor and some donated construction items. They are also affordable because there is not any profit included in the sale of the home and no interest charged on the mortgage. The mortgages are financed, on average, for 20 years.

New Construction Builds

We build new, simple, affordable homes from the ground up in St. Joseph.

No skills are necessary. Tools and materials are provided, and construction is led by our experienced crew of professionals.

ReStore

Our new and used home improvement resell store that helps fund our mission.

No skills are necessary. Stocking shelves, assisting customers, organizing, and cleaning.

If you do have a skill that you feel would be beneficial, please contact Larry Stewart or Liz Broadus for more information:
Larry Stewart
Email: Larry@stjoehabitat.org
Phone: (816) 279-2552 (ext. 7)

Liz Broadus
Email: Rita@stjoehabitat.org
Phone: (816) 279-2552 (ext. 4)

You can volunteer whenever we have a project. You can work one hour or stay all day. Your group may choose to work in shifts, just have them sign our when they leave.

New Construction

Wednesday and Thursday- 9:00am – 3:00pm

Other hours may be available upon request.

ReStore

Monday – Saturday- 10:00am – 6:00pm

Please contact Larry Stewart or Liz Broadus for more information:
Larry Stewart
Email: Larry@stjoehabitat.org
Phone: (816) 279-2552 (ext. 7)

Liz Broadus
Email: Rita@stjoehabitat.org
Phone: (816) 279-2552 (ext. 4)

Please contact Larry Stewart at (816) 279-2552 (ext. 7), or Liz Broadus (ext. 4) for more information.

As projects can change, please call as soon as possible.

Please contact Larry Stewart or Liz Broadus for more information:
Larry Stewart
Email: Larry@stjoehabitat.org
Phone: (816) 279-2552 (ext. 7)

Liz Broadus
Email: Rita@stjoehabitat.org
Phone: (816) 279-2552 (ext. 4)

Please contact Larry Stewart or Liz Broadus for more information:
Larry Stewart
Email: Larry@stjoehabitat.org
Phone: (816) 279-2552 (ext. 7)

Liz Broadus
Email: Rita@stjoehabitat.org
Phone: (816) 279-2552 (ext. 4)

Please also have an approximate number of volunteers and a contact person and their phone number.

No. Volunteers will all levels of experience are invited to volunteer with us. If you have construction experience, please let our Construction staff know when you arrive on site.

We provide ice water on site. If you are with a group or organization, please contact your group leader to find out if lunch is provided. St. Joseph Habitat for Humanity does not provide lunch onsite.

Yes. There are tasks that do not involve strenuous labor. Please advise the St. Joseph Habitat Humanity Construction Manager you are working with of any limitations or concerns. Please take into consideration the heat, humidity, and environmental conditions at the worksite that you are volunteering at.

You will receive an email or phone call at least one week prior to your work date(s) asking you to confirm your date(s) and your total volunteer number if a group. Once you confirm, you will receive a worksite meeting place.

Homes are at all stages of the construction process. We build houses from the ground up. Tasks on the construction site can vary depending on need, weather, etc. You will be assigned to a task that morning and if you are uncomfortable, please let the Construction Manager know and they will reassign you.

No. It is the responsibility of the volunteer to arrange their own travel.

Call as soon as you know that you cannot work so that we can schedule others to take your place.

It is not necessary to bring any tools. If you wish to bring them you are welcome to, but you are responsible for them. Items that are especially useful are a tool belt, hammer, measuring tape, pencil, razor knife, etc. Please clearly label all tools so that you can identify them.

Footwear needs to be sturdy and closed-toe and closed-toe heel. Boots and sneakers are both considered appropriate footwear. You will not be permitted on the site if wearing inappropriate footwear.

Please prepare for the weather by checking the forecast before you arrive at the worksite. If it is sunny, please bring a hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses. If it is raining, please bring a jacket, raincoat, and/or rain boots. In colder weather it is recommended to layer clothing as some work may be outside and/or inside.

Work will continue onsite unless determined otherwise by the staff. It is very rare that a workday is canceled. If there is any question about canceling the workday, please call the Construction Supervisor. You will be given that number when you schedule your day.

No. You will receive a short orientation of 15 minutes once you arrive at the worksite, which includes a safety lecture.

Yes. All volunteers will need to sign a waiver. If there is anyone under age 18, a signed waiver from their parent or guardian is needed. In compliance with Habitat for Humanity’s guidelines, anyone under 18 without a signed will be asked to leave the worksite. Also, no individuals under 16 can be permitted on a construction worksite.

When you arrive at the worksite there will be a sign-in sheet for volunteers, please remember to sign out when you leave. We keep track of your hours as it helps with funding for our community.

As there are many rules and regulations that we need to follow when accepting or building on vacant land please contact Shay Homeyer at (816) 279-2552 (ext. 9).

Please contact Shay Homeyer at (816) 279-2552 (ext. 9).