By Susan Cook, Executive Director
At River City Habitat for Humanity, we believe that everyone deserves a safe, affordable place to call home. For over 30 years, we’ve been working to make that vision a reality in Jefferson City, partnering with families and volunteers to not only build 134 homes but to also build a community filled with hope. But we don’t do this work alone. We rely on the generosity of community members and organizations like the United Way to make it happen.
This year, we were honored to receive a Community Support Grant from the United Way, which has made a tangible difference in how we serve our community. With the grant funds, we purchased a dump trailer for our construction sites, a practical yet transformative addition to our operations.
Before we had the dump trailer, managing construction waste was a costly and time-consuming process. For every job site, we rented dumpsters to dispose of materials like drywall scraps and other debris. Not only did this add to our expenses, but it also required meticulous scheduling to ensure timely deliveries and pickups to get the most out of each expensive rental.
The new dump trailer has streamlined our workflow, allowing us to haul waste efficiently without relying on external rentals. This shift has already saved us dollars— money that can now be redirected toward building more homes and helping more families. It’s also saving time for our construction teams, giving them more hours in the day to focus on what they do best: building safe, sturdy homes. For our homeowners, this efficiency means we can keep their housing costs as affordable as possible. Because it’s not just about constructing houses; it’s about creating opportunities for families to thrive.
The success of this initiative is a testament to the power of partnerships. United Way’s support helps organizations like ours tackle challenges creatively and sustainably. Together, we’re proving that when we pool our resources and align our efforts, we can create lasting change.
At River City Habitat for Humanity, we’re always seeking innovative ways to build more homes and serve more families. The dump trailer is just one example of how community support enables us to adapt and improve. As we move forward, we’re committed to continuing this work with the same passion and purpose that has guided us for years. We invite you to join us on this journey. Whether you volunteer on a build, shop at our ReStore, or make a financial contribution, your support helps build more than houses— it builds futures. We extend our deepest gratitude to the United Way for believing in our mission and investing in our work. This Community Support Grant (and the ones from previous years that helped us purchase a construction truck, extra power tools, roofing materials and more) has been a game-changer for our organization, and its impact will be felt for years to come. Together, we’re not just building homes. We’re building a stronger, more resilient Jefferson City—one family at a time.
