Beginning this summer, ETSU will be partnering with Holston Habitat for Humanity to construct a home for a local, low-income family.
Although the plans are still in the early stages, the project is progressing rapidly, starting with the formation of a steering committee. The committee is to be composed largely of members of ETSU faculty and staff as well as members of the Campus Ministry Association.
Co-chairs Jerry Everley of the Wesley Foundation, and Jeff Anderson, associate vice president for university advancement and planned giving, say they have been pleased by the number of responses and the enthusiasm with which the ETSU community has greeted the call for volunteers.
Tentatively, construction will begin in late summer, with the house being completed in October, just in time for Homecoming week.
The exact location is being selected from several building sites near campus. Once selected, it is hoped that various student organizations will be involved in the many aspects of the home’s construction. It has even been proposed that some ETSU academic departments take advantage of the opportunity for a hands-on project for students that might contribute to their chosen educational fields.
Possible opportunities for involvement include, but are not limited to, surveying, interior design, and land preparation and plant selection for landscaping.
Individuals are strongly encouraged to participate as well. Volunteers are needed for a range of tasks from drywall finishing to roofing and painting.
The project is expected to cost as much as $30,000. This amount will largely come from fundraising activities beginning immediately.
Ultimately, the ETSU group shares the Holston Habitat for Humanity’s mission to “provide simple, decent, houses for low-income families so that they can improve their quality of life through home ownership.”
The Kingsport chapter is part of a worldwide network that, since 1976, has built more than 225,000 houses in some 3,000 communities, providing more than 1 million people with affordable housing.
For more information or to volunteer, contact Everley at wesleyetsu@juno.com or Anderson at andersjw@etsu.edu.

Author