ETSU’s steering committee has formed a partnership with the Kingsport-based Holston Habitat for Humanity to give one mother and her children a special gift: a home.
Jeff Anderson, associate vice president for university advancement, and Rev. Jerry Everly with the Wesley Foundation are co-project coordinators for ETSU’s first Habitat home.
“On Monday Aug. 13, volunteers broke ground and the water and sewer line trenches are in place and the sub-flooring is done as well,” Anderson said. In addition to the work they have done so far, there will soon be a stretch of days used to get a great deal of work done.
“Sept. 7-9 will be the blitz,” confirmed Everly.
Aside from the trenches and sub-flooring, there is much more left to build. In order to make this happen, more funds will be needed to cover expenses. “We currently have $11,000 and our goal is to raise $24,000 more,” said Anderson.
In an attempt to raise enough money, staff members and students will soon receive e-mails explaining how to donate money as a tax deductible. Another option is to send donations to the Holston Habitat for Humanity at P.O. Box 5265, Kingsport, TN 37663.
“Each gift is important,” Anderson said. “Giving $5 or $10 or volunteering in any capacity is crucial to making this project possible.”
To inform students of the project, Everly has a few ideas that could stir up interest.
“We plan to have a kick-off on Wednesday, Aug. 29, at 4 p.m.” Everly said.
“The family will be there, the president of the student body might make a speech, and Dr. Stanton will be there as well. There will even be a board that everyone can sign that will be put up in the home.”
Along with those events, there is hope for a possible fundraiser during Homecoming this year.
The work that has been done so far came from construction management majors in ETSU Professor Charles Parker’s summer classes, but students do not have to be construction-savvy in order to participate.
“There is a role for someone who has never touched a hammer,” Anderson said. “Folks with construction experience are appreciated, though.”
“This project is special because of ETSU’s ownership,” Everly said. “It’s different working on a project you have seen from the beginning to end.”
“Working on this provides a real sense of pride and accomplishment,” Anderson said. “Working side-by-side with the mom and her three children is special.”
The house is located a few minutes away from campus off West Walnut Street on Hicks Road.
In the future this project will provide a home for a mother and her children, and there are hopes to make Habitat for Humanity an annual student project.
“One of my goals is to start up a Habitat Club with student leadership,” Everly said.
If you have an interest in volunteering you can contact volunteer coordinators Teresa Brooks-Taylor at 439-8218 or Joyce Duncan at duncanj@etsu.edu.
Potential volunteers can also check out the group’s Web site at www.etsu.edu/students/hh.

Author