UK’s Habitat for Humanity will begin construction framework at Commonwealth
September 28, 2011
Kentucky students will come together this weekend for an on-campus house-framing event for Habitat for Humanity.
The build is being put together by the UK Habitat for Humanity chapter, the Interfraternity Council and the Panhellenic Council. Construction will take place from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday behind Commonwealth Stadium, at the corner of University Drive and Alumni Drive.
“It actually worked out really great. The campus chapter has been wanting to do this for a long time, but needed the man power to pull it off,” said Dan Wavering, president of UK Habitat for Humanity. “It was the same with Seth (Fortenbery) from IFC, so combining, along with Panhellenic, worked out great to have the amount of people and resources to fundraise and actually make this happen.”
Together, the three groups have raised $42,500 for this event, making it completely sponsored by UK students.
The partner family for this build also has a UK connection; DaShanda Player works for UK and will be living in the house with her children.
“It is important for us to be involved around the Lexington community because it helps students remember that they are a part of something bigger than just this campus,” said Anna Epley, community service chair of Chi Omega sorority. “It will be fun to get a bunch of students out there to really make a visual difference in our community.”
Chi Omega is one of the sororities that will be working on the build.
On Saturday and Sunday, students will begin building the main framing of the house. This includes the walls, door and window jambs. The house will then be moved to 745 Breathitt Avenue, where the build will be completed.
Students who are not members of these groups are still welcome to get involved with this project.
“This is a UK-sponsored build so we want anybody that wants to help fundraise or build to come out,” Wavering said. “I think it is important to show students at UK that although Lexington is a nice area, there are still problems to be addressed and getting involved is a great way to start. Plus, you feel great after you do it.”
For those who can’t make it this weekend, students will be building onsite through the entire month of October. For more information, email Dan Wavering.
