Fuller House Center breaks ground on 15th home for local family

By Jessica Breger Special to the Monett Monthly

The Monett area Fuller House Center invited the community to join them at the beginning of June to help break ground on House No. 15, giving new hope and a new home to one local family.

The non-profit organization helps to build homes for families to provide adequate and affordable housing for local families through volunteer work and zero interest home loans.

Beginning in 2002 as a Habitat for Humanity affiliate, the organization converted to a Fuller Center in 2023. 

Over the past 23 years, the organization has collaborated with fourteen other families to help provide homes in the area. 

Frank Washburn, Monett area Fuller House Center president, said that at least two of those homes have already been paid off in full. 

“Our intention is to build a quality house for someone who is in an environment that’s not a quality house at this point,” Washburn said.

Washburn noted that qualifying families are those whose income may not allow them to secure a conventional loan, but have a solid work history.

The families work for their no interest loans, however, said Washburn. 

“They help us build it,” he said. “They have to put in 200 hours of work, sweat equity, and we provide a loan with no interest.”

For House No. 15, the organization partnered with a family who has deep roots in the Monett community. 

Amanda and Kevin Gilmore were both raised in Monett and are active in the community, with Amanda as a worship pastor and Kevin leading men’s ministry. 

The homegrown couple plans to finish raising their children in their hometown with their new “forever home.”

“We’ve lived in Monett our entire lives, and it’s just exciting to get to continue to be here,” said Amanda.

The couple not only spent their lives in Monett, but are also raising their four children in their hometown as well. 

While the eldest Gilmore child is grown, they say the three younger siblings are excited for the new space and have already begun planning their decorations. 

“I still feel like it’s a dream and I haven’t woken up yet,” Kevin said.

The couple said they feel honored by the opportunity and support as they begin work on their new home. 

Washburn said the location for the 16th house has already been secured, and the organization is excited to provide another home for a local family. 

To volunteer or seek assistance from the organization, the Monett area Fuller House Center for housing can be reached at (417) 235-8437.