2012 Governor's Joplin Habitat Challenge Unveiled

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 here.

“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.”

“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, President of the St. Louis Cardinals. “We are proud to continue supporting the rebuilding efforts.”