SU Honored Among Chesapeake Housing Mission's Top Volunteers

SALISBURY, MD---Most people take the ability to leave their homes whenever they want for granted. Chesapeake Housing Mission (CHM) helps those who cannot.

Since 2009, the non-profit organization has built ADA-compliant ramps for more than 300 low-income residents of the Lower Eastern Shore with the help of thousands of volunteers, including those from Salisbury University.

Six SU student and staff organizations combined to make the University one of the mission’s “Top Volunteer Groups” of 2017. They included the Residence Life and Student Affairs offices, as well as the football team; Student United Way chapter; New Student Experience Bikes, Beach and Beyond program; and staff 212 Cycling Club.

In all, they built eight ramps, representing more than 10 percent of CHM’s total projects for the year. (Residence Life and the football team built two each.)

“Civic engagement has long been a pillar of an SU education,” said Dave Gutoskey, SU housing and residence life director, who serves on CHM’s board of directors. “Through projects like these, students learn that helping others can provide intangible rewards.”

Some beneficiaries, such as 77-year-old George Taylor of Crisfield, not only expressed gratitude, but pitched in with the volunteers. He helped SU Housing and Residence Life students build a ramp for his wife, Lucine, who has lived in the same house since she was born.

“I have lived in this community all of my life, and I have never had anyone do anything like this before,” he said.

CHM’s annual report showcased that project and included a photo of another SU Housing and Residence Life build. SU’s students and staff were among nearly 1,500 volunteers who provided over 9,500 hours for the mission in 2017.

For more information call 410-543-6030 or visit the SU website at www.salisbury.edu.