Spring Breakers Unite To Build Homes with Avery Habitat for Humanity

More than 50 students from across the country will travel to the Milford subdivision in Elk Park for their spring break to build Habitat for Humanity houses. The students are participants of the Collegiate Challenge, a Habitat for Humanity program that provides year-round opportunities for youth to use their vacations to help build homes.

During March and April, students from Bluffton University, Providence College, University of New Hampshire and Saint Mary’s University will help build two houses with Avery County Habitat for Humanity. The home of Corby and Jessica Buchanan is in the interior finish stage and at the home of Chris and Amanda Gwyn, foundation work is underway.

“We truly appreciate the work of these youth volunteers,” said Avery County Habitat Executive Director Terry Woodruff. “They are making a difference in our community by helping families in need obtain safe, decent and affordable homes.”

This spring break marks the 20th anniversary of the Collegiate Challenge program, and more than 12,000 students will have participated in Collegiate Challenge, raising more than $15.5 million. This year alone, Collegiate Challenge participants will contribute $1.8 million.

“Youth who choose to volunteer and build houses with Habitat for Humanity during their spring break are making a powerful statement about the role they want to play in helping families move into affordable housing,” said Habitat Senior Director of Volunteer Mobilization Desiree Adaway. “We are grateful that for the past 20 years, youth have united to eliminate poverty housing across the United States through the Collegiate Challenge program.”

Collegiate Challenge is one of the many Habitat for Humanity youth programs designed to capture the energy and hope of young people worldwide to involve them as leaders in the work of Habitat for Humanity.

State Farm is the national corporate sponsor of Habitat’s youth programs and is the sponsor of a 20th anniversary celebration event to recognize the students and affiliates who have made Collegiate Challenge a success over the past two decades.

Avery County Habitat for Humanity was founded in 1993. Its local affiliates have built 25 partner homes and currently services 17 no-interest mortgages. Avery Habitat is currently building on a 40-acre tract at Milford Meadows, where five homes are completed. The subdivision is named in honor of Rev. Charlie Milford, who was instrumental in the early success of the chapter. The completed Gilmer Community Center was named for local supporters Barrett and Dudley Gilmer. Avery Habitat anticipates building up to 30 family homes on the site.

For more information on Avery Habitat for Humanity, call 828-733-1909.