Habitat Blitz Build Underway

SALISBURY, MD---Salisbury State University’s chapter of Habitat for Humanity aims to construct and finance an entire house before the end of the school year. The project is already underway thanks to the many students that participated in this year’s Blitz Build. The Blitz Build, which was held over Labor Day weekend, kicked off the start of the SSU chapter’s work on the house. SSU volunteers were able to assemble and raise the entire outside frame of the house. Over 234 student volunteers have put in some 936 hours of work so far this semester.

One fund-raising activity for Habitat for Humanity is the annual Sea Gull Century, which has been a long-time supporter of the organization. Last year, riders in the Sea Gull Century donated $9,193. After the SSU Bike Club matched this donation, providing a total of $18,386 for Habitat, 52 percent of the cost of SSU’s Habitat home was covered. Another fund raiser sponsored by SSU is the Donate-A-Meal program, in which students donate one meal from their meal plan and the University gives a percentage of the meal price for each meal donated. Last year the program raised over $2,200, an amount which SSU’s chapter hopes to exceed this year.

Habitat for Humanity is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing quality houses to low income families. Families that desire Habitat housing must first pass through a screening process designed to determine eligibility for Habitat homes. Families that are approved are then required to put in at least 500 hours of work along with other Habitat for Humanity volunteers to build their homes.

SSU’s chapter of Habitat for Humanity meets every other Wednesday at 8:30 p.m. in the Choptank Room of Guerrieri University Center and is open to all students, faculty and staff. Heather Robison, a current Habitat for Humanity member, encourages all members of the campus community to join the club because, "Habitat for Humanity is a great experience-not because you make new friendships, but you are also giving back to the community and helping those who are in need. Besides, construction is fun!"