Judy McCombs has lived in Jefferson City since 1988, but always in apartments.
That is, until this year.
McCombs and her grandson will soon live in the 100th home built by River City Habitat for Humanity.
"With a home, it's much more personable," she said at the blessing for the home Saturday morning in the 1400 block of East High Street. "There's a place to put my flowers, and you get to take care of a yard."
A structure that had been on the site was torn down, and the hope is to have this home completely constructed in 100 days. Habitat will sell the house around Thanksgiving.
Jefferson City's River City Chapter organized in 1992 and began its building work in 1993. Ten homes to help victims of the record-setting Floods of 1993 were built in 1994. They had built 50 homes by 2006.
"We've averaged five to six homes a year," said River City President Norm Robinson. "We've got six going on right now, and they're in various stages. About 10 percent of what we do now are rehab projects."
"Jefferson City is such a giving community that because of their contributions to us we've been able to do work in other communities," said River City Executive Director Kelly Smith.
One River City member estimated another 100-125 homes may have been built in other places around the country and other parts of the world due to Jefferson City residents' generosity to Habitat.
Habitat for Humanity's mission is to "promote hope and strength in the community and affirm our faith in God by partnering with families to build safe, affordable houses where families can grow."
Before closing, the partner family for each build will log 350-450 hours of sweat equity as a down payment on the home. They will pay a 25-year, no-interest mortgage to River City, as well as homeowners' taxes and insurance annually. Their house payments will help build future Habitat homes in Cole County.
"I've learned a lot," McCombs said. "They've shown me what to do if I have to make a repair."
A new safety feature will be incorporated in this home.
Jefferson City Fire Chief Matt Schofield has been working with Habitat officials as well as officials with Missouri American Water and the Missouri Sprinkler Coalition to install fire sprinklers in this home and future homes.
Schofield said residential standards have changed, and he wants to make sprinklers available and affordable for all homes in the city.
Schofield also said fires are 1.7 times more likely to occur in Habitat homes, so having the sprinklers is much needed.
Work on the home will is done on Tuesdays, Thursday evenings and Saturdays. While they have a number of volunteers already signed up to work on this project and others, River City is always looking for help. Those who want to volunteer should call 573-635-8439.