Habitat launches Cars for Homes program

According to a news release from the organization, the program accepts donated vehicles and turns them into cash used to pay for new Habitat homes.

Cars, trucks, recreational vehicles, boats, motorcycles, trailers and other vehicle with proper documentation are accepted through the program, and will be resold or recycled to raise funds. Donated vehicles don’t have to be in running condition, provided that transportation and processing fees don’t exceed the value of the donation.

The release said Habitat will receive between 70 percent and 80 percent of sales proceeds after towing and other expenses. Donors will receive an acknowledgement letter for their donations, which may be tax-deductible.

“This is just another way that our community can help improve the lives of others,” said Ed Justus, operations manager for Habitat of Springfield, in the release.

Habitat for Humanity builds in partnership with deserving families who buy their homes with low-cost, no-interest loans in exchange for sweat equity they acquire by helping with the construction. Since 1988, more than 400 people have been removed from substandard housing with help from Habitat’s Springfield chapter.

Donation information is available at www.carsforhomes.org or by calling (417) 829-4001.