BLUE SPRINGS, Mo. — A group in eastern Jackson County, Missouri, hopes to provide families the keys to unlock a better future.
Truman Heritage Habitat for Humanityis joining Home is the Key, a national campaign by Habitat for Humanity International that spotlights the need for affordable housing and aims to raise funds to drive lasting change in the United States.
Many people across the country lack access to an affordable home, which creates barriers to affording basic necessities such as food, education or medical care.
"There's a tremendous need when you have families that are paying anywhere (from) 25, 35, 45, 60 percent of disposable income on housing," said Patrick Wilkins, donation procurement specialist for Truman Heritage Habitat for Humanity ReStore.
In Jackson County, 15.9 percent of residents are living below the poverty level, which is higher than the statewide average of 14.6 percent. The homeownership rate in the county is 58.7 percent, well below the statewide rate of 66.9 percent.
"It's something that we can address right here in our own backyard," Wilkins said.
During the month of April, people can visit ReStores in Independence and Blue Springs to contribute toward the Home is the Key campaign by shopping, donating or volunteering.
"Whether it's building houses, whether it's helping people with financial literacy education, whether it's any number of these things, we can help lift people up to have a better future," Wilkins said.
People can purchase a key to be displayed in the ReStores for $1, $5 or $20. The goal is to build stronger futures for families in Jackson County and nationwide.
