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Volunteers critically needed for Truman Heritage Habitat for Humanity to continue projects

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INDEPENDENCE, Mo. — In hopes of building more houses in the Kansas City metro, the Truman Heritage Habitat for Humanity in Independence needs the public's help.

The organization has a large list of projects, and in order to finish, officials say they want to triple their volunteer workforce.

"We have really ramped up our housing projects right now, and so we're really excited to be able to work on those projects,” said Lindsay Browne, community engagement manager for Truman Heritage Habitat For Humanity. “The speed we can get those projects done is based on how many volunteer days we can have and how fast we can move.”

The Truman Heritage Habitat for Humanity currently has around 20 to 30 volunteers a week, but officials would like to see that number increased to 80 to 100 volunteers, preferably on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays.

"We would love to just fill that roster so that we can just get these projects going fast before it gets too cold," Browne said.

On Wednesday, a team of volunteers were working on a house near U.S. 24 and Sterling Avenue in Independence. For many of them, this is the kind of work they enjoy doing.

"I've always enjoyed getting up and getting out of the house every day and doing something, and this is a good way to do things because it helps people," volunteer Larry Leavy said.

Leavy, a retired bricklayer, said he wants to give back, using his skills to help build a new life for a family in need.

"Eventually this will be a beautiful new house for somebody to move into," Leavy said.

Many people working on the homes will be the ones actually living in them, because each recipient needs to put in 350 working hours on their home.

Especially for lower-income families, affordable housing is a need that's growing in the community.

"We have a huge wait list, so there is definitely a huge need for affordable homes," Browne said.

Volunteers for Truman Heritage Habitat for Humanity need to be at least 16 years old. Experience is not required, though it is preferred.

For more information on volunteering, visit the organization's Facebook page.