Students spend break serving Humanity
More than 8,500 students spent their spring break building houses with Habitat for Humanity Collegiate Challenge.
Habitat for Humanity was founded in 1976, said Karen Lienau, public affairs officer for Habitat.
"We're dedicated to eliminating poverty housing," she said. "We work in 64 different countries."
The Collegiate Challenge began in 1989, Lienau said. From Feb. 27 to April 22, college- and high-school students volunteer their spring break to work with Habitat for Humanity all over the country.
"This year there are more than 800 students participating," she said. "They represent over 400 colleges, universities and high schools."
Besides working for Habitat, the students are also required to be involved in fund raising, Lienau said. Students raised over $800,000.
Nine CMU students participated in this year's Collegiate Challenge, said Shawna Ross, coordinator of volunteerism for the Volunteer and Service Learning Center.
The students participated in CMU's Alternative Spring Break program. Through the program, CMU students volunteer at different sites throughout the country during their spring break each year.
The students spent the week in Paterson, NJ, helping to build houses.
Interested students can get involved by calling 1-800-Habitat. They can also visit the Web site www.habitat.org.
