The university's chapter of Habitat for Humanity joined Habitat for Humanity of Alamance County in April to dedicate its newest house.
Students and staff involved with Elon’s chapter of Habitat for Humanity joined with Habitat for Humanity of Alamance County on April 27 to dedicate the 23rd house built with campus volunteers since the university chapter was created a quarter century ago.
The house in Burlington, N.C., will be home to Mario and Diana Sosa-Campos and their two children.
Elon’s campus chapter is one of the only chapters in the nation to commit to fundraising and building a home each year. The chapter is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year with a variety of events.
Elon’s chapter consists of over 250 members who meet weekly, participate in builds, serve at the Habitat Re-Store, and help raise awareness about issues of affordable housing on campus. The chapter also participates in fundraising activities throughout the year to go toward sponsorship of the house.
Elon’s chapter partners with Habitat for Humanity of Alamance County, who selects build sites, coordinates projects, and provides oversight.
“It is remarkable and commendable that a group of students who are largely not from Alamance County and who are here for a brief period of their adult lives has such a powerful commitment to provide simple, energy-efficient, affordable housing in Alamance County,” said Robin Wintringham, executive director of Habitat for Humanity of Alamance County.
In addition to students from Elon University, the Collegiate Challenge program of Habitat brought students from Lehigh University and Champlain College to contribute volunteer labor during school breaks. Alamance County alumni from NC State University also participated in building the house.
As part of the Habitat program for home ownership, the Sosa-Camposes and other Habitat partner families worked alongside the student/alumni volunteers to contribute ‘sweat equity’ on the house.
Habitat for Humanity, International is a global, nonprofit housing organization dedicated to eliminating substandard housing locally and worldwide. Since its founding in 1976, Habitat has built, rehabilitated, repaired or improved more than 800,000 houses worldwide, providing simple decent and affordable shelter for more than 3 million people.
Students interested in Elon’s Habitat for Humanity organization should contact Evan Small (esmall@elon.edu) or the chapter directly at habitat@elon.edu. For information on other service opportunities, visit the Kernodle Center in Moseley 230.