First on-campus Habitat build underway

The University’s inaugural Homecoming game is Saturday, Oct. 12, and the UNC Charlotte Habitat for Humanity Campus Chapter is realizing its goal to construct a home for a deserving family. Students, faculty, staff, alumni and members of the community have joined together for this first-ever, on-campus Habitat build that is underway at the corner of University City Boulevard and John Kirk Drive.

Members of the campus chapter for Habitat for Humanity spearheaded efforts to generate funds for the on-campus build. To date, more than $60,000 has been raised. Student fundraising activities delivered more than $20,000, and the UNC Charlotte Alumni Association provided nearly $10,000. These early efforts were rewarded and matched by a group of UNC Charlotte alumni, parents and friends through a challenge grant worth $29,000 led by Joe Price (’83), a former Bank of America executive and member of the Habitat for Humanity International Board of Directors and the University’s Board of Trustees.

Construction began Tuesday, Oct. 1, and will continue through Friday, Oct. 11. Organizers expect the home to be 50 percent finished at this point, and it will be transported to its permanent location.

As part of Homecoming activities, members of the UNC Charlotte Habitat for Humanity Campus Chapter will host a “signing party” with homeowner Ronald Spivey at 10 a.m., Saturday, Oct. 12. Although the outside of the home will be completed, the inside drywall will not be up. Donors and volunteers have been invited to sign the wood.

During Saturday’s Homecoming game against UNC Pembroke, participants in this inaugural Habitat project will be acknowledged.