Students seek lot to build 'centennial' Habitat house
Dec. 23, 2002
KALAMAZOO -- Western Michigan University students hope to build a home next year in conjunction with Habitat for Humanity as a way of commemorating the University's 100th birthday.
Students at the University have long been involved with the Kalamazoo Valley Chapter of Habitat for Humanity through their campus chapter of the organization. If they can identify a suitable vacant lot at little or no cost, their dream of building a "centennial" house should become a reality.
"WMU students decided earlier this year to partner with the Kalamazoo Valley Chapter of Habitat for Humanity in building a home," says Ruth Heinig, co-chairperson of the WMU Centennial Steering Committee. "We were just thrilled that they chose a service project as one of their contributions to the University's centennial celebration."
The construction project is scheduled to formally kick off the weekend of Oct. 4. WMU's registered student organizations; sports teams; and students, faculty and staff will have the opportunity to sign up for shifts to help build the house. Members of WMU Alumni Association chapters around the country also have been invited to participate in the effort.
In honor of the centennial celebration, WMU and Habitat for Humanity plan to construct the framework and outside of the house in a 100-hour blitz. They expect to complete the entire house in eight to nine months.
First, however, project organizers need to acquire a lot measuring 45 to 60 feet wide and about 120 feet deep. Habitat for Humanity will consider lots anywhere in Kalamazoo County, but prefers to build on lots zoned as "neighborhood/professional business district."
For more information or to suggest a suitable lot, contact Kalamazoo Valley Habitat for Humanity by contacting (269) 344-2443 or <mailbox@habitatkalamazoo.org>.
Media contact: Jeanne Baron, 269 387-8400, jeanne.baron@wmich.edu