Heartland Habitat for Humanity has been selected as one of 163 affiliates nationwide to participate in Habitat for Humanity International's initial phase of its Neighborhood Revitalization Initiative. That effort will focus on improving housing conditions while partnering with other community organizations to provide services that enhance the overall quality of life across struggling neighborhoods.

Heartland Habitat's former offices at 1103 Osage in Kansas City, Kansas are up for sale. The building is solid with great character. It's a 7,000 square foot former fire station with two drive-in bays and a second floor loaded with natural light and ideal for office or living space. Total square footage of the lot is 9,161. This is a great location for a work/live situation! For more information, download the flyer here.

Heartland Habitat's 2010 WomenBuild Project is off to a great start, thanks to the support of those who attended the kick-off events last month. The events, including an evening of food and fashion at Soho 119 on May 6 and the bachelor auction at the Just for Her Expo on May 21, raised over $6,000 for WomenBuild.

Heartland Habitat and Olathe School District Partner to Provide Students Skills, Community Awareness

An innovative new partnership between Heartland Habitat for Humanity and the Olathe School District’s Trades Program will offer students enhanced educational opportunities and hands-on experience during the 2010 school year by engaging youth in the building of a home for an Olathe family in need. The construction project will kick-off in August and is designed to help students put their classroom learning to use while exploring career possibilities.

On Saturday, May 15, approximately 30 volunteers converged in the Armourdale district of Kansas City, Kansas to participate in A Brush with Kindness, a new Heartland Habitat for Humanity program that helps to beautify the neighborhoods surrounding Heartland Habitat build sites.

Heartland Habitat's youth involvement programs capture the imagination, energy and hope of youth ages 5-25 by engaging them in supporting Heartland Habitat's mission through volunteerism, advocacy, fundraising and collection drives. If your young person is looking for a way to stay active and involved this summer, consider getting involved with Heartland Habitat.

Although volunteers on the construction sites must be age 16 or older, there are plenty of opportunities for younger youth to get involved, including:

Is your church looking for a meaningful theme for its 2010 Vacation Bible School? Look no further than Habitat for Humanity's program, "Under Construction." This VBS program uses construction metaphors and biblical scriptures to teach children about community and the need for decent shelter for all people.

When Jeri Womack's son came home talking about the "magic letter" he found that day, she didn't think much about it. Little did she know that "magic letter" would change her family's life. The "letter" her son found was an informational flyer on Heartland Habitat for Humanity's homeowner application process. When Jeri saw it, her dream of homeownership was born.

Wells Fargo to give $61,000 to Kansas nonprofits on behalf of Wachovia customers, team members

KANSAS CITY, Kan., May 12, 2010 – Wells Fargo & Company announced it will provide grants totaling $61,000 to five Kansas nonprofit organizations and their local affiliates as part of the integration of Wells Fargo and Wachovia, the biggest banking merger in history. Heartland Habitat for Humanity will receive a generous donation of $9,750 as part of this statewide effort.

2010 Build Season Offers Many Opportunities for Involvement

Spring has sprung, and with it comes a new Heartland Habitat for Humanity build season! This year, Heartland Habitat will be building 10 homes in Johnson, Wyandotte and Leavenworth Counties in Kansas, and Clay and Platte Counties in Missouri.