College students from around the country travel each year to participate in Habitat for Humanity of Broward’s “Collegiate Challenge” program.
Over 100 students representing six colleges from around the country will be spending their spring break making a difference for others by building homes through Habitat for Humanity of Broward’s “Collegiate Challenge” program. This year’s “Collegiate Challenge” will kick off on Tuesday, March 5, 2019 at 7:30 a.m. and last for three weeks.
With assistance from Habitat Broward’s leaders, homeowners, and core volunteers, the students will be roof shingling, wall furring and painting homes for low-income families in need of affordable housing.
Students work on the construction site from 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and are provided morning snacks and lunch. On Thursday evenings, students are treated to a Habitat Broward family dinner. The weekly dinner makes Habitat Broward standout among those who host Collegiate Challenge as the future homeowners and their children join the festivities.
“We thank the students for using their spring break to participate in the Collegiate Challenge, which shows their true humanitarian hearts,” said Nancy Robin, CEO and Executive Director of Habitat Broward. “Through our Collegiate Challenge, these students will develop construction skills, build lifelong friendships and make a huge difference in our community.”
Schools scheduled to participate this year include University of Mary Washington, Fredericksburg, Virginia; Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, Michigan; Fitchburg State University, Fitchburg, Massachusetts; University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago, Illinois; and Manchester University, North Manchester, Indiana.
Students are making both volunteer and financial contributions to Habitat Broward during their Spring Break, raising over $25,000 to help families in need of safe, healthy housing in “A Rick Case Habitat Community,” in Pompano Beach.
A Rick Case Habitat Community is the largest single-family affordable homeownership community undertaken by a nonprofit in Broward County to date.
The community will feature homes consisting of 42 one story and 35 two-story units with sizes ranging from 1,200 to 1,300 sq. ft. All homes feature sustainable, energy-efficient materials, as well as impact windows to minimize environmental impact, improve indoor air quality, and reduce utility and maintenance costs. Additional features include a park and children’s playground that will be accessible to residents of the community and the surrounding area.
