• Neosho Habitat Opens Application For Families Seeking Affordable Homeownership

Families dreaming of becoming homeowners in the Neosho area may qualify for assistance from the Neosho Area Habitat for Humanity. The nonprofit has officially opened its Pre-Enrollment Form, the first step in the journey toward owning a safe, affordable home through Habitat for Humanity.

“The pre-enrollment form helps us quickly evaluate prospective applicants and their potential to be a candidate,” said executive director Chris Fenske.

Any Newton County resident or anyone who has worked in Newton County for at least one year and are living in inadequate housing or looking to purchase a home may qualify. According to the organization the applicant must be unable to qualify for a regular home loan due to income or credit.

The group is currently building their 19th house in Neosho and is seeking a partner family that will soon call it home.

“Becoming a Habitat partner family is a great way for a family with financial challenges to move from inadequate or unsafe housing into a good home, and to move from renting into an affordable mortgage that can help build financial stability over time,” said John Styron, board president.

Jamie Speck, house number 17 recipient, was a single mother of three struggling to find a stable home for her family when she applied to the program.

“I didn’t think that we would ever be able to be in a position to have our own home. I figured we’d be renting forever and this was just a huge blessing,” said Speck.

Habitat homes are not given to applicants for free but rather the applicant purchases the home with a mortgage tailored to their budget paired with the applicant’s commitment to invest 300 hours “sweat equity” the home’s construction or other Neosho Area Habitat for Humanity projects.

“It was hard work but I think knowing we put our own hearts into it too, it was great,” Speck said. Her whole family, including her children and parents, helped build her Habitat home along with volunteers from the organization.  Speck’s family and friends were able to donate their time to her sweat equity hours during the construction process.

“Consider applying if you meet the criteria,” Fenske said.  The Pre-Enrollment Form includes a few simple questions. Applicants selected to move forward will be guided through a more detailed home application process.

Speck says she encourages anyone in a position of need to apply. “It’s the biggest life change for the better. You are not in it by yourself, you will have help,” she said. Neosho Area Habitat for Humanity works with all applicants to successfully fill out the forms and to guide them through the process of understanding their finances as they become homeowners.

To learn more about the home ownership program and to fill out the Pre-Enrollment Form visit neoshohabitat.org.