
Roanoke College and Habitat for Humanity in the Roanoke Valley recently kicked off the 20th annual R House project, continuing a long-standing tradition of service and community partnership.
The initiative brought together hundreds of incoming Roanoke College students to help build a home for a local family. As part of summer orientation, every freshman took part in the construction, working in shifts to raise the framework of a new two-story, 1,415-square-foot house.
The most recent build day took place Friday, June 27, with about 40 students participating in each shift. Many upperclassmen returned to assist as student leaders, helping guide new students through the hands-on work.
Ashon Brice, a rising freshman from Northern Virginia, said it was his first time wielding a hammer and nails on a build site.
“It feels great,” he said, adding he couldn’t wait to tell his family about the experience. “I know this helps people in the community, and knowing that I can be part of that puts a smile on my face.”
Diana Ibarra, a rising senior, said one of her favorite parts of Roanoke College is the many opportunities it offers to give back and volunteer. Since being introduced to R House as a freshman, she’s returned multiple years to continue working on houses as a student leader.
“I love doing R House,” she said. “It keeps me motivated knowing that we’re doing this to help a family. It’s very inspiring.”
Since its inception, R House has provided an opportunity for students to connect with the local community while living out the college’s values of service and civic engagement. Roanoke College remained involved in the project beyond orientation, organizing additional volunteer workdays throughout the fall until the house was completed and ready for the new homeowner to move in.
