Nixon builds volunteer base for Joplin construction project

Following Gov. Jay Nixon's call for volunteers two weeks ago for his Joplin Habitat Challenge, about 1,000 Missourians have signed up for the project, which aims to build 35 new homes in the city this year.

“I am pleased at the response of Missourians to the 2012 Governor’s Joplin Habitat Challenge, but I am not surprised,” Nixon said in a news release. “We have already seen how folks across our great state have come together to support our neighbors in Joplin, stepping forward to help the community recover and rebuild from the devastating tornado."

Nixon's administration is committing a $3.6 million Community Development Block Grant for the project, which would cover land purchases, material costs, and the hiring of construction leaders and managers, as well as a volunteer coordinator.

The initiative is a partnership between the state, the Joplin Area Habitat for Humanity and several athletic organizations.

Nixon launched the challenge Feb. 4 at Mizzou Arena prior to a basketball game between Missouri and Kansas, and he was joined by representatives of the athletic organizations involved in the effort: University of Missouri Athletic Director Mike Alden; former St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Andy Benes; St. Louis Rams wide receiver Danario Alexander; St. Louis Blues Hall of Famer Bernie Federko; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Matt Cassel; Kansas City Royals pitcher Aaron Crow; and Patrick Warren, president of the Kansas Speedway, who represented the speedway, NASCAR and the NASCAR Foundation.

The 35 homes will be divided into seven neighborhoods, with each neighborhood group being sponsored by one of the athletic franchises. Players, coaches, broadcasters and front-office staff will work alongside volunteers and professional builders to assist with construction efforts such as framing and siding, painting and landscaping, the release said.

The initiative is in direct response to the May 22 EF-5 tornado in Joplin, which damaged or destroyed more than 7,700 households.

Those interested in volunteering can visit the Joplin Habitat Challenge Web site.
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