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From The Times-Register archives
By DEREK GUYNN, interim writer
From the 1995 edition of The Times-Register
The Roanoke College chapter of Habitat for Humanity traveled to Columbia, S.C., over their spring break to build a home for a family in need.
Starting from a concrete footer, the 23 students, 7 faculty and staff members and one professional builder were nearly able to complete construction on an 1,100 square food house in one week of hard work.
Habitat for Humanity is a Christian housing ministry designed to allow low-income families who cannot get loans to purchase a house, build equity, and create a home. The projects are funded by local affiliates and are built by volunteers.
Rev. Paul Henrickson, Roanoke College Chaplain and leader of the trip, said the experience was especially valuable to students because they learned how much can be accomplished by a group.
“It leaves a deep impression – that being of service to others has incredible rewards,” he said.
This is the ninth year that the Roanoke College Habitat for Humanity has traveled to Columbia to volunteer over Spring Break. In addition to erecting one house, the group also helped in the remodeling of another Habitat for Humanity house that recently suffered fire damage. Two years ago the group traveled to Homestead, Fla., to help rebuild after Hurricane Andrew, and last May, a Habitat for Humanity group from Roanoke College built houses in Tanzania.
“Each year I can point to someone whose life changes as a result of the trip,” said Henrickson, “We go there to build community, and a house just happens.”
– Prepared by Lingjie Gu
