"We are all like one-winged angles. It is only when we help each other that we can fly." -Luciano de Crescenzo

Habitat for Humanity affiliates are community-level Habitat offices that service a specific area in partnership with and on behalf of Habitat for Humanity, International (HFHI). Affiliates are formed by a group of concerned citizens who want to address the problem of poverty housing in their community. Affiliates operate within the framework of the Habitat Affiliate Covenant but remain independently run, nonprofit organizations. They coordinate all aspects of Habitat home building in their area, while HFHI provides a wide range of support services and resources. Today, there are more than 2,000 affiliates in the United States and 550 international affiliates. At present, Habitat affiliates build one house every 26 minutes.

The Habitat for Humanity of Springfield, Missouri believes that every person in the Springfield-Greene County area deserves to live in safe, decent, affordable housing. Groundwork to develop a local Habitat for Humanity began in the early 1980s. Habitat for Humanity of Springfield was formally affiliated in 1988, when the first house was built. By 1997, Habitat of Springfield build 6-8 houses each year in partnership with families in need. Currently, the affiliate builds an average of 10-15 houses per year. Since its inception, the Springfield affiliate has built over 111 houses, benefiting approximately 440 adults and children. Two Habitat subdivisions, McAL and Legacy Trails, have been established, creating a stronger sense of community. Habitat for Humanity of Springfield also operates the ReStore, a discount building materials store, to raise funds to build more houses. Working hard to better our community, the Springfield Affiliate is a pillar of resources and services for our chapter.

To learn more about Habitat for Humanity of Springfield, please visit their Web site at www.habitatspringfieldmo.org.