Build a House, Build Communication. Habitat for Humanity

Jenna Kauffman, Dasia Edwards, Danbi Koo, and Lily Rembold

Did you know that Wilson College has a chapter with Habitat for Humanity? Wilson faculty and students recently volunteered at a Phoenix House site near Wilson on Sept. 27.

Lawyer, Millard Fuller, started the Habitat for Humanity movement in 1976 following his belief in God. Their official slogan is “simple, decent and affordable.”

According to the Official Habitat for Humanity Wilson College Facebook page, “It is a national college chapter, member of Habitat for Humanity International, and affiliated with Franklin County Habitat for Humanity.”

They have two special goals: to build houses for those in need and to build communications with local community.

Wilson’s Habitat for Humanity chapter has over a decade of history. They host a ‘build day’ twice a semester to give club members a chance to participate in building homes for the less fortunate.

In addition, the chapter hosts an annual Alternative Spring Break (ASB) trip, which allows students the opportunity to travel out of state and donate their time to volunteering with communities in need.

Some people may think Habitat for Humanity offers houses free to everyone, but Habitat does not provide free houses. They help people afford their own house for lower prices. Participants in the program help to build their own houses with help from volunteers to reduce expenses. Also, they use donated materials to build these houses, which also reduces the expenses.

According the Habitat for Humanity website, the expense for building a house with the help of volunteers can lower the cost as much as 60% of the normal price.

Chaplain Rosie Magee, the adviser for Habitat for Humanity at Wilson College says, “We have students in here who just are amazing. They are able to make things work!” She also admits, “When I came here, I didn’t know I could hammer a nail. But, I have learned a lot.”

As Magee says, most students who participate in Habitat for Humanity have no special skills in construction. They just have a desire to participate and want to volunteer within the local community. Club members usually learn fast while at the construction site.

“To see student leaders come forward and to see students learn skills that they perhaps didn’t think they could do . Student are just amazing and I’m always impressed at the Wilson College students. How skilled and professional the Wilson College students are. Always!” says Magee. She cannot hide her happiness and pride in the club.

Soyoung Park ’18, an educational psychology and English literature major from Seoul Women’s University, says: “In Seoul Women’s University, they also have Habitat for Humanity. But I could not participate in it, because I was too busy. So I thought this would be a great chance for me.”

She participated in building on Sep. 27. She mentioned, “It was my first time using a hammer. I felt I’m not helpful in this build. But other volunteers helped me a lot. So I could finished it very well. I’m so excited to participate again.”

For more information or to participate, visit their Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/wilsoncollegehabitatforhumanity) or watch for their email about Alternative Spring Break.