'Sweat Equity'

Sikeston Mayor Mike Marshall, talks with those gathered at the Habitat for Humanity groundbreaking Saturday about how the group is helping Sikeston begin the redevelopment of housing. Standing from left are: Marshall, Paul Thell with Cargill; Tom Meyer, president of Habitat for Humanity; Morgan McCauley; Jackie Herndon; Bob Boyer (partially hidden); Karen Davis; Jason McCauley, Natasha McCauley and Barb Collins. Pictured in the background are other supporters of the local Habitat for Humanity. (Photos by Jill Bock, Staff)

SIKESTON - Morgan and Jason McCauley were ready and willing to begin their "sweat equity" hours on the construction of the newest Habitat for Humanity home. After all, it will be their new home.

Morgan, 3, and Jason, 9, joined their mother, Natasha McCauley, along with city leaders and Habitat for Humanity officials and others to celebrate the beginning of Sikeston's second Habitat for Humanity home Saturday morning.

Morgan McCauley, 3, takes the lead on the construction of his new Habitat for Humanity home.

The 1,050 square-foot home, located at 408 E. Center Street, will have three bedrooms, bathroom, kitchen and living room. While the foundation is now in place, the work will continue at a rapid pace for the next three months for completion at the end of January.

Jackie Herndon, co-chair of the Sikeston Habitat for Humanity steering committee, described the home as basic. "It is not lavish, but it will be energy efficient. It will be a comfortable home," she said.

According to Herndon there is a huge need for such affordable housing not just in Sikeston but everywhere.

Walter Wildman, executive director of Habitat for Humanity in Cape Girardeau, which oversees the Sikeston project as well as others in the region, praised the Sikeston group and their efforts.

"They are doing an excellent job," he said. "As new of an organization as they are, building a house a year is very aggressive."

Wildman and Sikeston Mayor Mike Marshall praised the community's support of the Sikeston's Habitat for Humanity.

"We live in a wonderful world, a wonderful country, and especially a wonderful town, filled with generous people," said Marshall. "Habitat for Humanity benefits from that generosity."

Herndon and Karen Davis, co-chair, agreed, pointing out that donations - both in time, services or cash - are needed as they continue their local building efforts, adding a new home annually.

Also they want to continue adding names of those who would benefit from a Habitat for Humanity Home.

Once an applicant is selected they are required to provide 350 hours in construction of theirs or another Habitat for Humanity Home. When the home is complete, the owner will make payments on the home, paying off an interest-free mortgage.

Davis noted to assist the new homeowners, Habitat for Humanity provides them with educational tools on home ownership as well as an advocate to assist them in their first year.

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Donations can be sent to Habitat for Humanity, Sikeston Project, P.O. Box 211, Sikeston, MO 63801.