Habitat for Humanity of Craven County seeking donations to help feed student volunteers

With less than a month before their arrival, Habitat for Humanity of Craven County is seeking donations to help feed student volunteers that will take part in this year’s Collegiate Challenge.

Beginning in March, a total of 46 students from Connecticut, Delaware and Ohio will come to New Bern to assist with construction on a new Habitat home at 2202 Hartford Avenue.
During their stay, the students will live at local churches, with cots loaned by the local American Red Cross and sleeping bags supplied by Habitat.

HFHCC is asking for donations of snacks and bottled water along with monetary donations to help pay for the students’ lunches and dinners while they lend their energy and talents to help a New Bern resident achieve their dream of homeownership.

Founded in 1989, the Collegiate Challenge program provides alternative spring break volunteer opportunities to college students across the United States. The program is an opportunity for the students to spend a week swinging hammers, wielding drills and getting their hands dirty as they work side by side with HFHCC volunteers and future homeowners to build a new, affordable home in the community.

Students from Sacred Heart University will volunteer with HFHCC during the week of March 3-7 and will stay at Centenary Church; Lourdes University students will work the week of March 10-14 while staying at First Baptist Church; and Centenary Church will also host students from the University of Delaware on March 24-27.

“Our Collegiate Challenge volunteers help us fulfill our mission of ensuring that every family has a safe and affordable place to call home while also discovering their own potential for making an impact in their communities,” said HFHCC Executive Director Tracey Lilly.

If you would like to donate in support of the Collegiate Challenge volunteers, email Buna Cumbie, HFHCC Volunteer & Faith Relations Coordinator, atbcumbie@cravencountyhabitat.org.

Habitat for Humanity of Craven County was established in 1989 as an affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International, a non-profit Christian housing ministry. Over the last 35 years, HFHCC has helped build homes for more than 80 local residents, providing safe and stable living environments for adults and their children.

To learn more, visit www.cravencountyhabitat.org.