World Habitat Week

By Renee Rasmussen

This week Catholic University is celebrating World Habitat Week with events for students to get involved and learn more about the future of Habit of Humanity. This week is devoted to raising awareness of the needs of low income families to have affordable housing.  Due to gentrification and the rising rates of housing, not every family is able to afford the necessary housing.

Habitat for Humanity is a national organization focused on providing low income families with affordable houses. 

“World Habitat Week is a week all about spreading the mission of Habitat for Humanity that everyone deserves access to safe and affordable housing,”said Natalie Deroche a member of Habitat’s Eboard when discussing what makes this week special. “Having affordable housing is essential for many aspects in life and has been proven to be linked to improved education, health and life success/satisfaction.”

This week is the perfect time for students to get involved in Habitat for Humanity. Throughout this past month The Advocacy Committee has been working hard to plan events for students to learn more about the mission of this week.  

“Lots of brainstorming goes into the planning so that we can engage as many people as possible and represent the importance of Habitat’s mission- seeking to put God’s love into action through building homes for those in need,” said  Schola Eburuoh, Advocacy and Education ChairPerson for Habitat for Humanity when asked about this week’s events.

This week there was an ice cream social for people interested in Habitat to ask more questions. There was also a Trip Advisor Panel Discussion where students were able to hear about the experiences of past Habitat trip Staff advisors. A homeless food run with Campus Ministry is planned for this Friday, as well as Habitat Day Trip on Saturday in order for students to actively serve and engage with the community. 

Habitat works to educate students are why the issue of affordable housing is so important.

“We host numerous advocacy events that focus on education and spreading awareness of issues that may affect why people are unable to get housing,” says Deroche. 

Habitat for Humanity also hosts international and domestic trips throughout the year, some during Spring Break and another during the summer. While the spring break locations have not been announced yet, the official announcement will take place Friday Oct. 18 at 12:05pm in the Pryz lobby. 

“The week of spring break combines service, community, and reflection,” Deroche said. “So in addition to working on a worksite with partner families that will get the Habitat homes, there is time to immerse in the community by exploring with your team.” 

Not only does the spring break trip provides an opportunity to serve and build community, it is also filled with other fun activities. 

The summer trip will take place in Peru after the great success of last year’s trip.

“It is very similar to what we do in the US, in that we’re building homes for those in need, but within a completely different context and culture!,” said Eburuoh. “We also build with brick, which was pretty cool if you ask me! The summer trip applications open soon!”

But Habitat for Humanity doesn’t stop after this week. They host Day builds on various Saturdays throughout the semester. “These events also give you ‘sweat equity hours’’ which can add up to allow you priority registration once trips are announced! Add Habitat for Humanity on the nest for weekly Habitat updates!” says Eburuoh.