By Olivia Montes
Elm Staff Writer
Since 1999, the volunteers of Washington College’s Habitat for Humanity club have provided hundreds of secure, structured homes to those in need, all while bringing a sense of togetherness and collective teamwork to each project.
According to club advisor and Assistant Director of Alumni Programming Maria Hynson, “The entire goal is to hand up, rather than hand out. The organization here provides granted families long term residencies, as well as investing themselves within a safe and secure community, both financially and emotionally.”
For the next few projects, the student group was assigned to complete framing in New Jersey during fall break and will visit Centerville in November. The spring semester may also include a trip to Virginia.
“We try once a month to complete a project, including breaks,” Hynson said. “We help to provide secure and affordable housing whenever we possibly can.”
The trip to New Jersey provided a bonding experience for the new team members and encouraged them to become involved in work projects, according to senior Dylan Grimes, the club fundraising chair.
In anticipation of the trip, Grimes said that, “We’re all looking forward to meeting new members. We want to make them feel welcome and teach them what Habitat is all about, all while helping out the people of New Jersey.”
Habitat for Humanity not only provides students a sense of community and labor experience, but also helps to increase the self-confidence and self-worth of its members, according to sophomore Shannon Thomas, club secretary.
“As an individual, volunteering is important to me because if you have the opportunity to help others, then I think you should always take it,” Thomas said. “As a community member, this club has brought me close to so many people so quickly, and we’re all learning new things together which creates a strong bond.”
Hynson specifically spoke to the opportunities for women to gain self-confidence by helping their fellow females.
“Most volunteers and homeowners are women, and the organization itself empowers women. Being a part of [Habitat] has helped me gain the confidence to not only know what my capabilities and strengths are, but also to know my limitations on a project,” she said.
Thomas further reflected on the opportunity to assist other families in a different environment.
“I am excited about all the new things that I’ll learn on the worksite. The house is always at a different stage of development and after our time there I always feel such an amazing sense of accomplishment, in myself and in the group as a whole,” she said.
For Grimes, participating in Habitat for Humanity projects is a way to give back to communities throughout the country.
“Volunteering [for Habitat for Humanity] has always been a part of my life,” Grimes said. “It is very important to continue to give back to the community, as service should be part of everything.”
“These students are a joy to advise,” Hynson said. “They are such a hard-working, committed group dedicated to contribute to their communities.”