NC State’s Habitat for Humanity chapter will begin fundraising for Build-A-Block, a year-long project that will build 11 homes for community members in need. If successful, this will be the largest partnership between a campus chapter and Habitat for Humanity. 

Right now, Build-A-Block is in the process of fundraising to build the homes and recruiting people who can commit and volunteer next fall, according to Melanie Rankin of Habitat for Humanity Wake County. Wake County’s Habitat for Humanity and NC State’s Habitat for Humanity are partnering to construct the homes. 

NC State’s Habitat for Humanity is searching for student groups, organizations or clubs that are interested in participating in Build-A-Block. Representatives from Habitat said they are eager to make partnerships with other organizations to increase involvement, especially organizations that require service hours. 

“You don’t need construction experience to work on a Habitat for Humanity site,” said Mike Giancola, associate vice provost of student leadership and engagement for the Division of Academic and Student Affairs. 

During full construction, 75 to 100 volunteers will be needed each weekend. Construction of the townhomes will start next fall, but fundraising for construction and recruiting volunteers is beginning immediately. Construction is expected to take a year. In the fall of 2016, five homes are expected to be constructed, and another six are expected to be built the following spring. 

“This project will raise the discussion about adequate housing in our community,” Giancola said. 

There are also plans to form an events committee that will host fundraising events to inform and encourage involvement. 

NC State’s Habitat for Humanity Chapter President Sarah Paluskiewicz said other universities have heard about Shack-A-Thon, another Habitat effort, and started it on their own campuses. 

“Hopefully Build-A-Block will challenge other universities to follow our steps,” Paluskiewicz said. 

Assistant Dean for Diversity and Student Services Jamila Simpson agreed. 

“This will set precedence [for other universities] because nothing like this has been done before,” Simpson said. “Students at NC State are really engaged in service.” 

Volunteers will be building homes alongside the family who will live in the townhomes, according to Melanie Rankin, a representative from Wake County’s Habitat chapter. However, due to fair housing laws, the names of the families cannot be confirmed.

In fall of 2017, at the end of the build, a ceremony will be held to commemorate the service project. Those who raised more than $5,000 will be recognized, according to Rankin. 

Build-A-Block has been hosting information sessions every Saturday at the Talley Student Union and at every home football game at Carter-Finley Stadium to try to get students to understand its mission.

College of Engineering, College of Natural Resources, College of Textiles and Caldwell Fellows have already shown an interest in supporting Build-A-Block.