February 10, 2012

In partnership with Habitat for Humanity, Governor challenges Missouri's athletic organizations, citizens to build 35 homes in Joplin this year; Missourians can sign up to volunteer at MO.gov

Gov. Nixon details 2012 Governor's Joplin Habitat Challenge to build 35 homes

ST. LOUIS, Mo. - 35 homes.  Seven teams.  One mission.

That was the message Gov. Jay Nixon shared in St. Louis today as he detailed the 2012 Governor's Joplin Habitat Challenge.  The challenge, in partnership with Joplin Area Habitat for Humanity and Missouri's major athletic organizations, aims to build 35 new homes in the heart of Joplin during 2012 to provide continued aid to the city's recovery.

The Governor today detailed the Challenge at Peabody Opera House in downtown St. Louis, where he was joined by Bill DeWitt III, President of the St. Louis Cardinals, former St. Louis Rams star defensive back Aeneas Williams; St. Louis Blues CEO Mike McCarthy, and Director of Development for the University of Missouri, T.J. Leon. The Governor's Challenge also includes the Kansas City Chiefs and Royals, and the Kansas Speedway, who will represent the speedway, NASCAR and NASCAR Unites.

"In the wake of the devastating tornado, folks from across Missouri and around the world stepped forward to help the Joplin community recover and rebuild, and Missouri's major athletic organizations were a vital part of those recovery efforts," Gov. Nixon said.  "I am proud that Missouri's teams are leading the way once again by participating in the 2012 Governor's Joplin Habitat Challenge, and I encourage all Missourians to get involved.  Together, we'll directly tackle the critical issue of housing in Joplin by building 35 homes this year, and providing the resources for Habitat for Humanity to expand its mission in the years to come.  Please visit MO.gov today to learn how you can get involved."

The EF-5 twister that hit Joplin on May 22, 2011, damaged or destroyed more than 7,700 households, and thousands of Joplin residents continue to live in temporary housing or with family or friends. The 2012 Governor's Joplin Habitat Challenge will address the need for permanent housing by partnering with Joplin Area Habitat to build 35 homes this year. 

Gov. Nixon's administration will provide a $3.6 million Community Development Block Grant to build the homes; the grant will cover purchasing the land and materials, hiring construction leaders and managers, and hiring a volunteer coordinator.

"The need for quality, affordable housing has never been greater in Joplin," said Scott Clayton, executive director of Joplin Area Habitat for Humanity.  "With the resources and commitment from Gov. Nixon and Missouri's athletic organizations, we have the opportunity to make a lasting and life-changing difference for 35 families in our community this year, and even more in the years to come.  We look forward to working with generous volunteers from across our great state to build these homes and keep our amazing community moving forward."

The 35 homes will be divided into seven different neighborhoods, with each neighborhood assigned a sponsor from among the seven Missouri athletic organizations. Players, coaches, alumni, broadcasters and front office staff from each organization will visit their neighborhood on several occasions to serve alongside volunteers and professional builders in assisting with the construction, including framing, siding, painting and landscaping.

Missourians can visit MO.gov to sign up to volunteer with the team of their choice in Joplin or to contribute in support of the Challenge. Additional information about mission of the Challenge is also available at MO.gov. Already, nearly 300 volunteers have registered to work on the ground in Joplin in the Challenge, and the Challenge Website at MO.gov has had 3,465 pageviews.

"When I visited Joplin last June with some of our players, we were all saddened by the devastation we saw to the physical infrastructure of Joplin. But we came away inspired by the community's resolve and perseverance," said Bill DeWitt III. "We are proud to continue supporting the rebuilding efforts."

"The commitment to rebuild Joplin will be a long process, and for all the progress that has been made, this battle is one that has barely reached halftime," said Kevin Demoff, Executive Vice-President of Football Operations and Chief Operating Officer, St. Louis Rams. "Our players and staff have been proud to support Joplin's recovery during the past year, and the 2012 Governor's Joplin Habitat Challenge gives our organization the opportunity to continue our efforts in a critically-needed area, housing."

"Our organization is thrilled to join our colleagues from Missouri's other sports franchises in continuing to support Joplin's rebirth through the 2012 Governor's Joplin Habitat Challenge," said Mike McCarthy, CEO of the St. Louis Blues. "We are indebted to the passionate support we receive from our fans, and there is no better way to give back to them than by rolling up our sleeves and doing our part to help Joplin rebuild."

"The 2012 Joplin-Habitat Governor's Challenge truly keeps the 'One State-One Spirit' movement alive, as Missourians continue to come together to help Joplin rebuild," said Mike Alden, Athletic Director for the University of Missouri. "We knew from the start that rebuilding Joplin was going to be a long process, and Gov. Nixon's Challenge and his ongoing leadership keeps the recovery momentum building in 2012."