Habitat for Humanity
Active since 1996, the campus chapter of Habitat for Humanity meets regularly and can be found hard at work almost every weekend. Most Saturdays, a group of student volunteers works with the local Habitat for Humanity affiliate to help provide simple, decent, and affordable housing to Blount County families in need. In 2000, Maryville College built its first Habitat House with entirely student, faculty, and staff labor, and our efforts continue to grow with each year.
Why I'm Involved
My freshman year in college was filled with new experiences. One that really changed my perspective on things was the chance I got, through Habitat for Humanity, to build a house for a family in the Blount County area. Although the build days on the house were Saturdays, and most of the time we had to wake up very early, it is an experience that has changed me for good. As a returning student, I have joined the Habitat for Humanity chapter at Maryville College. Through HFH, I have learned a lot of things about how to build a house. Up to this point, the closest I ever got to a house build was by driving by one, but it feels great to actually learn how to build a house and, at the same time, help out the community. One thing that is also gained through the HFH builds is friendship of people from the community that surrounds Maryville College, and that is truly priceless, because as you build a house, you also build what could be lifetime friendships.
Clement Ndikuyeze
More students share their reasons for involvement
Student photos courtesy of Peter Coats
