On October 24-26, Mountain Country Homes of Hope will host a group of volunteers representing the country’s two primary political parties. Together they will be working to accomplish a feat that currently seems to be eluding the Washington politicos: putting political differences aside to address the needs and concerns of this country’s senior citizens.

ReBuilding Hope, a subsidiary of Branson-based Mountain Country Homes of Hope, was specifically designed to help with maintenance and repairs on homes owned by senior citizens living on a fixed income. This rebuild project will benefit Elizabeth (Lou) Percy, a senior citizen living on a very tight fixed income in Kissee Mills, MO.

The ReBuild was originally planned as a Republican Women’s volunteer project after Sue Lynch, president of the National Federation of Republican Women, learned of the project back in May during the Missouri State Federation of Republican Women conference in Kansas City. Lynch saw an opportunity for Republican women from across the State to come together for a common purpose that was not politically motivated. “Although,” says Lynch, “I did chuckle when informed that the woman for whom we’ll be making the repairs rooted for the other side in the last election. But,” Lynch continues, “that makes this project and others like it all the more viable.”

Both Lynch and Kathy Chinn, the incumbent Missouri FRW president, have committed to participate in the rebuild, and will be arriving on Monday, October 24 to participate in the kick-off dinner hosted by event sponsor Golden Corral Family Restaurant.

When word got out about the rebuild, Republican women from across Missouri asked to be included in the event. Initially titled, Republican Women ReBuilding Hope in Taney County, the “women” had to be deleted when Republican men began calling to volunteer their time, as well as their power tools and muscle power. As word of the rebuild spread across the county, Democrats, Independents and members of the Tea Party began calling to offer their help as well.

“I cannot say no to anyone who has the heart to volunteer,” says Susan Martin, Homes of Hope Executive Director. “When I conceived ‘Republican Women ReBuilding Hope’, I had no idea that it would receive this much support from the citizens of Taney County.” Martin continues. “After the first 20 or so calls, I stopped asking volunteers if they were Republican or Democrat. At that point my only questions were, ‘do you have power tools, and do you know how to use them?’ Taney County is predominately Republican in its politics, but first and foremost we are neighbors who care for each other. Lou Percy has been a beloved member of our community for many years. Folks are focusing on a single goal, and that is to help improve her quality of life.”

Percy applied for help from ReBuilding Hope earlier this year requesting new insulation and new windows for her home. Percy, whose home is less than 1,000 square feet, was paying an average of $500 a month for her heating bills; an amount she could little afford. Using a combination of grant money from the Taney County Senior Board and fundraising proceeds, the project, when completed, will provide Percy with new vinyl windows, insulation in her walls and ceiling and new vinyl siding. If additional funds are available, the Homes of Hope staff would also like to make repairs to her bathroom walls which are currently patched with cardboard.

According to West Taney County Commissioner, Jim Strafuss, who will be participating in the three-day event, “Mountain Country Homes of Hope has been providing working, low-income families in Taney and Stone Counties with decent and affordable homes for almost 25 years. As our population ages, the need to assist seniors in our community with repairs and maintenance on their homes to ensure their continued independent living and quality-of-life is a paramount concern. The ReBuilding Hope program is the only one in the area that addresses this need, and I am proud to be a part of this project.”

The event is co-sponsored by the Taney County Federation of Republican Women.

For more information about this project or program contact Susan Martin at 417-335-2015.

We want to tell you about ReBuilding Hope, an exciting new assistance program created by Mountain Country Homes of Hope.  ReBuilding Hope’s purpose is to offer home maintenance and repair help to homeowners who are seniors or veterans living on a fixed income, or working, low-income families in our community.  While Homes of Hope continues to address decent and affordable home ownership, over the past few years we have found that there is a great and growing need to address home maintenance concerns as well, especially among the elderly and working, low-income homeowners.

Meet a very special lady, Donna Gilbert.  Donna, a retired school teacher, has been a resident in our community for over seven years.  She teaches two English 101 classes at OTC to supplement her limited income.  Donna contacted  Homes of Hope in February seeking help to fix her furnace.  Her 20-year-old air conditioning unit had failed the previous summer, and she had made due with fans throughout her home.  Her furnace, although still functioning, was so old and inefficient that even keeping the temperature set at a chilly 62 degrees, the utilities for her small home were over $300 a month.
We made a visit to her home to discover that the temperature inside was just slightly warmer than it was outside, yet her furnace ran constantly emitting only a whispered strength of tepid air.  Donna never once complained about the cold, although she did sheepishly admit to putting on an additional sweatshirt and another pair of socks at night.  We fell in love with Donna and her desire to partner with us.  Remedying her situation was a perfect project for ReBuilding Hope.  With the help of David Jackson at D&B HVAC Systems we were able to give Donna a brand new heating and cooling system.  After her new HVAC unit was installed, Donna wrote us to say, “I am sitting in my living room enjoying this blessed air conditioning.  Already, it has made such a difference in how I feel- not as much shortness of breath, and much more energy.  Thank you again for a much needed and timely gift.  God bless your efforts.  In love and appreciation, Donna Gilbert.”

ReBuilding Hope projects are capped at $5,000.00, but most requests are much smaller: cleaning gutters, caulking windows, constructing a handicap ramp, replacing a sink or toilet – small jobs that most of us can do ourselves or can afford to hire it done.  And, by utilizing donations to our Warehouse Resale Store, we are able to cut the cost of some repairs even more.

We provide labor and materials for minor repairs at no cost.  However, if an applicant has the ability to make small, monthly payments for larger repairs, we ask them to do so.  Repayment enables us to help more people, and empowers the ones receiving help to, in turn, help others.

Partners in ReBuilding Hope  When we asked for bids on Donna’s new HVAC system, David Jackson, owner of D&B HVAC Systems, gave us a quote at hundreds of dollars less than others.  When  a local family needed a new roof, Norm Cook at Cook Roofing came to our rescue, as did Shawn Saxe at Arrowhead Building Supply.  We could not accomplish all we do without the help of these wonderful people and others like them.

We Need Your Help, Too!

The folks we serve are homeowners who are making every effort to pay their mortgage, their utilities and other basic needs themselves.  They don’t own luxuries like new cars, plasma TVs or iPhones.  But having a roof that doesn’t leak, windows and doors that are sealed against drafts or even something as minor as a toilet that flushes properly are not luxuries. These are basic home maintenance and repair needs that they can’t afford on an already over-stretched budget.

Giving a senior citizen cooling in the summer, and heat in the winter is a blessing.  Giving a veteran wheelchair access to his home by building a ramp to his front door is an honor.  Patching a leaking roof for a couple earning minimum wage with three small children is a memory.

Please, help us help others like Donna by giving as much as you can to ReBuilding Hope. Your donation of $100, $50 or even $25 will enable us to continue to enrich the lives of our neighbors in need.

Please, put a check in the mail today.

Click here for Donation Information.

Very Sincerely,
The Board of Directors of Mountain Country Homes of Hope and ReBuilding Hope

P.S. Don’t forget that we need donations of building materials and household items at our Warehouse Resale Store located on Gage Road in Hollister behind the Hollister Police Station.  If in doubt of what we accept, remember:  If it doesn’t hang or fold … we’ll take it! You can drop off your aluminum cans there as well.

with a 20 year INTEREST FREE MORTGAGE through
MOUNTAIN COUNTRY HOMES OF HOPE

Download Printable PDF Announcement

We will be taking applications on Saturday, February 27, 2010

Application Session starts at 10:00 A.M. (Approximate length- 2 hours)

RecPlex on Branson Hills Parkway (Community Room B)

Bring the following information with you:

• Copy of each applicant=s 2009 W-2 form
• Last two pay stubs or other proof of income
• Last two utility bills from electric, water, gas (if applicable)
• Confirmation of rent payment amount
• List of credit payments such as: credit cards, car payment, installment payments, etc.
• Any current medical bills

ADULTS ONLY!!

Childcare arrangements must be made!
(Applicants accompanied by children will be turned away- No exceptions)

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Before completing an application you must meet the following qualifications:

Meet the HUD low-income guidelines as follows:

Size of Family Unit Yearly Pre-tax Income Requirements

1-2                                         $16,116 to $25,060

3                                            $18,120 to $28,192

4                                            $20,136 to $31,325

5                                            $23,916 to $33,831

6                                            $25,704 to $36,337

7                                            $27,468 to $38,843

8                                           $30,432 to $41,349

• Have lived or worked in Western Taney or Southeast Stone county for the past continual 18 months
• Have a steady, and legal income
• Have the ability to make monthly house payments on time
• Currently live in substandard or overcrowded conditions
• Be willing to participate in building your home and other MCHH homes

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For more information contact: Mountain Country Homes of Hope
Call (417) 335-2015

Mountain Country Homes of Hope complies with all federal and state laws, the Fair Housing Act and Equal Credit Opportunity Act.

Visitors to the site are encouraged to get involved by subscribing to news updates and other social media updates via twitter and facebook.

Special Holiday Promotion Hosted by Jim Barber
* this promotion is no longer in service but is shown as an example of past projects

Businesses and Attractions across the Ozarks come together each Fall to help raise funds for MCHH by selling paper “homes” to their customers.

“Own Your Own Home Expo”

Monday, February 5, 2007
Doors open at 6:00 P.M.- Presentation begins at 6:30 P.M.

United Methodist Church- Hwy 76- Branson
(Next to the Veteran’s Memorial Museum)
Equal Housing Lenders

If you are a working, low-income resident of Taney or Stone County looking to own your own home, don’t miss the “Own Your Own Home Expo”. You will have a chance to visit with area representatives from several low-income home financing specialists:

• Mountain Country Homes of Hope
• USDA Rural Development
• Bank of America
• Allstar Home and Commercial Loans
• University of Missouri Extension

No reservations for the “Own Your Own Home Expo” are needed.
Refreshments will be served.

After the presentation, you will have time to visit with each representative.

Children are not invited to attend this function. Please make child care arrangements for the evening.

Mountain Country Homes of Hope (formerly Habitat for Humanity): A Christian-based, non-profit organization. Applicants must have minimum two year residency in Taney or Stone County, have worked at current job a minimum of 6 months, have approved credit with little or no debt, live in substandard or over-crowded conditions, must meet HUD low-income guidelines. Approved applicants partner with MCHH in sweat equity hours, homeowner classes, a $500.00 installment down payment, and receive a no interest loan on a 20 year mortgage.

Each applicant must bring a COPY of their 2005 W-2 Form to apply for a MCHH home.

Rural Development: Offers 33 year, fixed rate home loans with no down payment to low-income individuals and families. Applicants must have stable and dependable income, good credit, and a willingness and ability to pay any current debts plus mortgage payment. The current interest rate is 5.75%, but some low-income applicants may be eligible for subsidy, which could reduce their interest rate to as low as 1%.

Bank of America: Offers 100% financing with no PMI through their “Community Commitment” program. The program also offers: conventional financing, below market interest rates, available 30 year rate term, and no minimum credit score required. Borrowers can earn up to 80% of the county of residence’s median income. Manufactured housing accepted. $500.00 investment required from borrower’s own funds, but gifts for closing costs are acceptable. Bankruptcies need only be discharged for two years.

Allstar Home and Commercial Loans: Offers 100% financing on Conventional, FHA, MHDC and VA loans; some with all closing costs rolled into the loan. Allstar runs only one credit report, and can shop your loan with over 17 lending institutions to find the best program to fit your needs; some offering loans up to 50 years. The folks at Allstar will assist you in completing your loan application, and if you mention Mountain Country Homes of Hope, there will be no charge for your credit report.

University of Missouri Extension: The Home Buyer Education program designed to help consumers understand the home buying process, credit reports and screening methods, mortgage loan application procedures, and financial cost associated with home ownership. Consumer information is available on home maintenance and lawn and garden information at the Extension office 1-888-504-0443. Publications are available online at http://muextension.missouri.edu/xplor/. Free tax preparation is available at Volunteer Income Tax Assistance sites for low-moderate income families that qualify for the Earned Income Tax Credit at VITA sites in Stone and Taney counties.

For more information, contact the Homes of Hope office at: 417-335-2015

Everyone has a dream and for some that dream is owning a home of their own. One local organization helps them realize that dream.

Employees at Ozark Mountain Bank were given the opportunity to wear jeans at work for a day in December in return for a donation. The funds collected were given to Mountain Country Homes of Hope (formerly Mountain Country Habitat for Humanity) to assist with construction of homes for low-income area families living in substandard or over-crowded conditions. Partner families participate in the program through sweat equity, homeowner classes, and a minimal down payment. Homes are sold at zero percent interest on a twenty year mortgage.

Ozark Mountain Bank President and CEO Craig Richards, left, presents a check to Susan Martin, Executive Director for Mountain Country Homes of Hope

“On behalf of Ozark Mountain Bank, I am very pleased to present this check to Mountain Country Homes of Hope,” Ozark Mountain Bank President and CEO Craig Richards said. “They do a tremendous job of helping low-income families own their own home and establish themselves in the community.”

“Ozark Mountain Bank has a special place in our heart,” Mountain Country Homes of Hope Executive Director Susan Martin said. “They have sponsored a house, donated land and have provided various other means of support. Our community is exceptionally blessed to have a business that is so community conscious and does what it can to support the area.”

Anyone who would like to learn more about Mountain Country Homes of Hope or discuss making a donation may contact Martin at (417) 335-2015.

Related Links: Ozark Mountain Bank,  Mountain Country Homes of Hope

Branson, MO- Mountain Country Habitat for Humanity, one of the most successful rural affiliates of Habitat for Humanity International for almost twenty years, has disaffiliated from Habitat International to become an independent, non-profit ministry now known as Mountain Country Homes of Hope, Inc. The affiliate’s board of directors, by unanimous decision, voted to withdraw its affiliate status effective November 1, 2006.

According to Board president, Jim Barber, “We certainly respect the work of Habitat International, but the Board felt that the Habitat corporation was broadening its mission to encompass issues that detracts from the principal on which Habitat for Humanity was originally founded. Habitat International is also standardizing affiliates across the board which we feel will hinder us in addressing the needs particular to our community. After long and serious deliberation, we chose to disaffiliate in order to continue to focus our attention on helping provide simple, decent, and affordable homes for local, low-income families.”

“This change presents an exciting opportunity for us to implement an even more directed program than before.” says Susan Martin, executive director of the ministry for 11 1/2 years. “There is a tremendous need for affordable housing for working, low-income families in Taney and Stone Counties. This area is growing so rapidly, that a plan must be in place that will enable members of our community, who are subsisting on hourly wages, to have access to affordable apartments or be able to buy an affordable home. We want to help address this concern.”

Mountain Country Homes of Hope will begin taking applications for homes in February 2007. Requirements to apply will not change.  Applicants must have lived in Taney or Stone county for a minimum of two years, must meet HUD low-income guide lines for this area, have been at their current job for a minimum of six months, live in sub-standard or overcrowded housing, and be willing to help build their house and that of another approved family.

‘We completed our forty-fifth home in October, and plan on building at least two homes in 2007 with money raised locally,”says Fran Forman, board member and chair of the Family Selection committee. “Contrary to public perception, Habitat International did not support us at all financially. All of our funding comes from fund raising events, grants and community support. If someone locally sent money directly to Habitat International specifying that the funds be directed back to us, International took an automatic 10.4 percent recovery fee off the top before sending it back to us.”

The next fund raising event, to be held in February 07, will be an art auction at the Cobblestone Meeting Facility sponsored by the Tri-Lakes Board of Realtors and Golden Corral Family Restaurant. In addition to events and grants, Mountain Country Homes of Hope will continue to raise money through aluminum can collection, and their Warehouse Store located behind the Hollister police station.

“We take donations of new and gently used building materials, windows, doors, lighting fixtures, appliances and household items like dishes and knick-knacks,” says Martin. “Donating to and shopping at our warehouse store is a very positive situation. Perfectly good building or household items that have been updated or replaced can be donated to us which we, in turn, sell, and all the money goes toward building a home locally. It’s a wonderful opportunity for folks who can’t financially support us to still be able to contribute to our ministry. They can also help by collecting and saving aluminum cans. We have over fifty businesses that partner with us in this effort.”

Martin adds, “As a Habitat affiliate since 1987, and having built and/or refurbished over fifty homes in this area, we have certainly been a viable part of this community. However, by becoming solely a locally focused non-profit, our ministry now truly belongs to the citizens of Taney and Stone Counties.”

For more information on partnering, volunteering or making donations to Mountain Country Homes of Hope, visit their website at www.mchh.net or contact them at 417-335-2015.