Dear Editor:
Recently, there was a statement made in a letter to the editor that included some wrong information concerning Habitat for Humanity homeowners and property taxes. There are many wonderful things that we would like for you to know about Habitat for Humanity, but here's a big one: Habitat for Humanity is not a give-away program. River City Habitat for Humanity homeowners pay a 20- or 25-year mortgage, pay homeowner's insurance and pay local property taxes. In fact, in 2016 our local Habitat homeowners cumulatively paid over $45,341 in local property taxes. Right here in Cole County.
Our families work very hard to earn their homes. They help build their own home as well as homes for other families. They save money for their house closing costs. They attend monthly educational classes to learn how to become successful homeowners. They are hard-working families, who at the end of the program, purchase their Habitat home and pay property taxes, just like you and me. That is why Habitat for Humanity is a hand-up, not a hand-out. Come stop by our office sometime. We'd love to tell you more.