History - Building Hope in Buffalo for 30 Years

For three decades, a small but dedicated group in Buffalo, Missouri has been quietly transforming lives—one home at a time. Since its founding in 1995, the Dallas County Habitat for Humanity has been a beacon of hope for local families in need of safe, affordable housing. Entirely volunteer-driven, this nonprofit organization has made a profound and lasting impact. It has not only built homes but also helped build better futures.

Humble Beginnings, Strong Mission

Originally established as Niangua Neighbors, Habitat for Humanity, the organization’s journey began with a handful of passionate citizens who believed in Habitat for Humanity International’s mission: “A world where everyone has a decent place to live.” After three years of planning, paperwork, and fundraising, a public meeting was held in Buffalo in April 1995—and from there, the local movement took root.

The group’s earliest efforts were small but meaningful, focusing on critical repairs for neighbors in need of plumbing, siding, or accessibility modifications. By 1998, they had raised enough funds to break ground on their first full home build on Marsh Street. In 2007, they officially changed their name to Dallas County Habitat for Humanity, reaffirming their commitment to serving local families.

Making Homeownership Possible

To date, the organization has completed eight new homes and two full renovations. The ninth home, located on Stanley Street, is nearing completion. Each project is a labor of love, built largely by volunteer hands and funded by donations, fundraising

and community support.

Importantly, Habitat homes are not given away. Instead, they are sold at cost with zero-interest loans, resulting in affordable monthly payments often lower than local rent. Selected low-income homebuyers—typically working families living in unsafe, overcrowded, or unaffordable housing—must also contribute hundreds of hours of “sweat equity”, working alongside volunteers during the build. This partnership model not only creates housing but empowers families to invest in their own success and contribute to their community.

Building More Than Homes

One of the most exciting recent developments is Habitat’s partnership with the Dallas County Technical Center’s Construction Technology program. Students get valuable, hands-on training by working directly on Habitat home builds—from framing to finishing. This partnership has dramatically reduced build time from three years to two and ensures students graduate with real-world skills, helping strengthen the local workforce.

DCTC Students raising the first wall of a new home

Community Spirit in Action

The growth of Dallas County Habitat in the past decade has been remarkable, thanks to an expanding group of volunteers, strong leadership, and unwavering community support. Rising costs for land and materials haven’t slowed them down—they’ve simply worked harder and gotten more creative with fundraising and partnerships.

Public enthusiasm for Habitat’s three annual fundraisers continues to grow. The Spring and Fall Rummage Sales have become major community events, with donations often overflowing storage space. The beloved Free Thanksgiving Day Dinner is now hosted at the spacious Buffalo YMCA. Volunteers serve hundreds of delicious meals, bringing the community together in a spirit of gratitude and service.

Powered by Volunteers, Backed by Business

Dallas County Habitat for Humanity operates solely through volunteer power—and the generosity and support of the local business community. Many area building trades have repeatedly donated equipment, labor, or materials, playing a key role in every build.

Thousands of volunteer hours go into each home, as well as ongoing support activities like lawn care, rummage sale coordination, grant writing, and event planning.

One standout figure is Chris Gatton, a founding board member who still serves on the board today—30 years later. Volunteers like Chris, and so many others, are the heart and soul of this organization.

A Shared Vision for the Future

In a time when safe, affordable housing is more needed than ever, Dallas County Habitat for Humanity continues to prove what’s possible when a community comes together. With each home built, they’re not just constructing walls and roofs—they’re creating stability, opportunity, and hope for the future. Habitat for Humanity’s impact in Dallas County is living proof that together, we can build something better.