Students participate in Habitat projects

This fall, UNC Charlotte students took part in several efforts to benefit Habitat for Humanity, including the second on-campus homecoming build by the UNC Charlotte Chapter of Habitat for Humanity.

Shortly after the Homecoming football game, the chapter house was moved to its permanent location in Arvin Meadows, a neighborhood off Statesville Road.

According to an article in the Charlotte Observer, the homeowner is Peggy McMullen, 55.

Nhoell Inthavong, publicity chair for the UNC Charlotte Habitat for Humanity chapter, told an Observer reporter “Just to see how excited she (Peggy McMullen) is after all of the hard work is over with, she’s a very special person. To see her enjoy herself was really nice, and just to see how much gratitude she had. … I think she’s very deserving of this house.”

The student-led Habitat chapter raised $50,000 for the on-campus build; Habitat Charlotte will coordinate volunteers to finish the house at its permanent location.

Earlier this semester, the University College partnered with Charlotte’s Habitat for Humanity Home Repair operation to organize several service projects that aided local veterans, such as home restoration and providing “Welcome Home” comfort baskets. Funding for repairs was provided by a grant through Home Depot. UNC Charlotte students also visited several veteran homes in need of smaller repairs and provided general upkeep, such as painting and cleaning.

In addition, the University College offered a fall break trip in partnership with the Red Cross of Camp Lejeune, Volunteers for Communities and Disabled American Veterans. Students, again, took time to work on home repair projects for veterans.

The projects were an outgrowth of the University’s Common Reading Experience of “The Yellow Birds,” authored by Iraqi war veteran Kevin Powers. The book discussed the broader impacts of war and raised awareness of issues returning veterans face. The Common Reading Experience is designed to provide a shared academic experience, offering unique opportunities for self-reflection, critical thinking, student interaction, and understanding of diverse perspectives.