Governor Jay Nixon is putting Missouri's athletic organizations to work in helping to rebuild Joplin.
Teaming with the Joplin Area Habitat for Humanity, Nixon is challenging members from the St. Louis Rams and Cardinals among other teams across the state to build 35 houses by June.
"When people know that these sports teams are coming, and when they see the players and the other folks, it really really helps," said Nixon.
The 35 homes will be divided among seven neighborhoods. Each will be sponsored by one of the seven participating athletic organizations which also include the Blues, the Chiefs and the Royals.
Nearly 7,000 houses were destroyed in last year's May 22 tornado which killed 160 people.
