SU students volunteer

For some people the season of giving lies only in the month of December; however, the Southern chapter of Habitat for Humanity gave back to the Baton Rouge community on Jan. 26 by assisting in a build (a scheduled date when volunteers assist in the construction of a home) alongside Habitat for Humanity Greater Baton Rouge.
There were more than 20 volunteers present to assist in the build including students from the Southern department of fashion design. Among other carpentry tasks, the students laid tiles and painted a total of three homes located on Elvin Drive.
“I thought this was a very important project and more people needed to be involved, especially student leaders and people who benefit from claiming that their purpose is to be the first in serving others,” said Toussaint Pierre, a senior accounting major from Atlanta.
Senior Franjesa Brown from Brooklyn, N.Y., initially joined Habitat to receive bonus points but realized a greater cause for participating in these community projects.
“It was good to see how a home was built from the foundation to something as simple as a closet,” said Brown. When asked if she would participate again, she agreed quickly.
An international nonprofit organization, Habitat for Humanity was founded in 1976 by Millard and Linda Fuller, a couple from Montgomery, Ala. After visiting a Christian farming community, the couple developed the concept of “partnership housing” in which those in need of adequate shelter would work side by side with volunteers to build simple, decent houses.
Financed by Revolving Fund for Humanity, Habitat houses are sold to partner families at no profit and financed with affordable loans. The homeowners’ monthly mortgage payments are used to build more Habitat houses.
Habitat has chapters not only in the United States, but also in Latin America, the Caribbean, Europe, the Middle East and Africa. Habitat for Humanity International has built and rehabilitated more than 150,000 houses and sheltered more than one million people in 3000 communities worldwide.
The Southern chapter of Habitat for Humanity is affiliated with the Greater Baton Rouge Area Habitat for Humanity. The organization was brought to Southern last semester under the advisement of Twyana Caine, the coordinator for International and Commuter Student Programs.
The idea for creating a Southern chapter was brought to current president Adrienne Cesar after being approached by Bob Slavin during a senate meeting.
“With no volunteers, there is no one to build these homes that are so desperately needed,” said Cesar.
There are Habitat opportunities available for individuals and groups alike. The next build will take place on Feb. 9 at the Elvin Drive location.
Pierre, who is a member of Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc., urged other groups to join the ranks and give back to the community.
“I am deeply saddened that more Greeks and Greek leaders provide service in name only; but that is the reason Iotas build tradition and we don’t rest on them. Serving the people should not just be taking pictures on (Martin Luther) King Day or during the month of February; it should be helping people every day,” said Pierre.
For more information, contact Southern Habitat President Adrienne Cesar, Vice President Lauren Hill or Twyana Caine on the second floor of the Smith-Brown Memorial Union.