The majority of students at Fairfield have probably never had to worry about keeping a roof over their heads, and most likely have not thought too much about those who have.
There is, however, a group of students on campus who spend time each week helping to build affordable housing for low-income families. Students involved with Habitat for Humanity make trips to Bridgeport every few weekends, and are always looking for new students to help out.
Habitat makes trips into Bridgeport during the fall and spring seasons, about five times per semester, working around campus activities. The trips are on Saturdays, and the group usually leaves at 7:45 a.m. and is back on campus by 3:30 p.m.
“We meet with other groups in Bridgeport, including other schools and churches,” said Fairfield Habitat President Christine Crowley, ’03. “We get an assignment for the day, which can be anything from gardening to putting up aluminum siding, to demolishing a house. There is a site manager to tell us what to do, so there is no experience needed.”
Habitat for Humanity is an international non-profit organization that seeks to eliminate poverty housing and homelessness from the world. Founded by Millard Fuller in 1976, Habitat has built more than 125,000 houses around the world, providing more than 625,000 people in more than 3,000 communities with safe, decent and affordable shelter.
Crowley got involved with Habitat during her sophomore year and has genuinely enjoyed being involved with it for so long.
“I was looking for something to get involved with,” Crowley said. “Habitat was the one really unique activity that stood out from the rest. All of the people involved are awesome, and you really learn a lot of useful things.
“I’ve worked alongside everyone from the CEO of GE to the actual families who are going to be living in the houses. At the end of the day, you really feel as if you’ve accomplished something,” Crowley added.
Currently, Fairfield’s Habitat is working on a project called Youth United. Kids ranging from five to 25 are getting together to participate, raise money and build a house.
“Fairfield and Sacred Heart students will be the ones to actually build the house, but the younger kids will help raise money for it,” Crowley said. “In the end, the entire house will have been built by kids.”
The project will take place on April 8 in Bridgeport, where Habitat founder Millard Fuller will speak. Crowley encourages all to participate.
If you are interested in helping Habitat for Humanity or have any questions, you can contact Crowley, as well as Vice President Jeff Holland, by e-mailing them at fairfielduhabitat@hotmail.com.
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