The vacant lot of 345 North Fountain remains untouched as Habitat for Humanity SEMO Chapter patiently waits to begin their next project. Hoping to have started on their house in October, they are yet to break ground due to zoning and weather issues. With Spring weather around the corner, Habitat for Humanity SEMO Chapter will begin work once the weather cooperates, allowing the foundation to be laid once the ground is dry.
Habitat for Humanity SEMO Chapter is an affiliate of Cape Area Habitat for Humanity, who decides when the campus chapter can build, depending on available lots and approved homeowners. Cape Area is currently in charge of planning construction for two houses, however the North Fountain house is special to the Southeast Community. Habitat for Humanity SEMO Chapter is in charge of providing and organizing the labor for the North Fountain house, therefore their goal this year is to build a “Southeast home,” meaning Southeast students, alumni and faculty help build the entire house.
“Anyone associated with the university—we are hoping for them to be there. By the amount of people who have contacted us, I’d say a couple hundred students will be involved,” said President Jessica Cooper.
Southeast Habitat for Humanity has teamed up with numerous student organizations, including fraternities and sororities, and the Construction Management Department. Rather than hiring a construction manager, Construction Management majors will serve as on-site construction managers, overseeing the safety and production of the house.
Historic Preservation major, Stephanie Schwartz, designed the layout of the house after winning the design competition her sophomore year. Now a junior, Schwartz is excited to bring her design to real life.
“As a member, I look forward to being a part of building a house I designed, but also a house that I know contributes to helping out a family, said Schwartz.
Habitat for Humanity SEMO Chapter is a thirty-member strong organization, however they haven’t always been successful. The group started in 2009, but struggled to gain members and popularity.
Cooper is very thankful for their recent success, stating, “ One of our biggest accomplishments for us this year was getting an active member base. This year we have really built up our membership which has allowed us to plan many more activities.”
With the help of their new active members, they have planned Advocate Week, Box City, movie nights, and recently sponsored a Spring Break trip to Oklahoma to help build houses. Although their roster greatly increased, they are always looking for more help.
“Within the next year we want to continue getting information out to people and start reaching out more to the community. It’s a positive influence for students,” said Cooper.
Habitat for Humanity SEMO Chapter hopes to finish their Southeast build house in May before students and faculty leave for summer. Volunteers will be able to help build and paint on every Saturday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. once the lot is ready. Volunteers must be at least 18 years old or 17 with adult consent.
If you are interested in volunteering or joining Habitat for Humanity SEMO Chapter, contact President Jessica Cooper at jlcooper3s@semo.edu
