On Dec. 1, ETSU’s student-run Habitat for Humanity will hand over the keys to a $35,000 house that the organization built for Angela Calhoun and her family.More than 300 volunteers worked together to build the house through Kingsport-affiliate Holston Habitat for Humanity.

Even during the current economic downfall, students, faculty and staff have been eager to get involved with the program.

“We’re probably in the worst recession that we’ve had in a long time, but there is as much, and maybe even more outpouring of volunteer effort, spirit and financial support for this project than we’ve had even in good times,” said Phyllis Thompason, assistant professor of English. “People are helping in spite of the hard times they’re having of their own.”

Thompson, along with Habitat for Humanity student council president Jordan Tarter, vice president Allison Hammer and members of the college-based community organization have worked hard since the start of summer break to complete this project successfully and timely.

“There is an entire ETSU community that has built this house with and for the Calhoun family,” Thompson said. “It’s a home that’s been crafted by the love and labor of people. Without all the students out there everyday working on the house, there wouldn’t be a house.”

Thompson is on Holston Habitat’s board of directors, and on ETSU’s committee. In this year’s project, she has served as the Calhoun’s family sponsor. She’s helped advocate and assist them with questions and concerns related to contracts and legal agreements over their soon-to-be home.

Though the layout and size of the house are up to Holston Habitat, and based on the number of members in the family, the Calhouns get to govern the cosmetic decisions, Thompson said.

“The family chooses what kind of lighting they’re going to have,” she said. “They choose the flooring, the colors of the walls, colors and material for shutters. That’s part of the fun stuff.”

Habitat houses are built for families who live in substandard living conditions, Thompson said. The houses are simple, decent and energy-efficient, making the cost of living in and owning a house affordable.

In order to qualify for a Habitat house, there are certain conditions that the Habitat program requires of applicants, said Jeff Anderson, associate vice president of ETSU’s Office of University Advancement.

“Homes are not given to Habitat families,” Anderson said. “They put in hours themselves building the home and they make a monthly mortgage payment to Holston Habitat for Humanity in Kingsport.”

First, applicants must go through an approval process with Holston Habitat, he said. A qualifying family makes moderate income, must receive financial counseling regarding home ownership, and must put in 500 hours of “sweat equity.”

“In other words, they have to work alongside with the ETSU volunteers to build the home,” Anderson said.

“This is our third home,” Anderson said. “About three years ago, many of us on campus said, ‘Habitat for Humanity is a great program here and around the world. Wouldn’t it be good if ETSU affiliated with Holston?'”

Anderson went on to explain that the goal at ETSU is to build one Habitat house every year. Plans for a fourth house are already being discussed by organizers.

The house, which is located just off campus behind Kroger and Earth Fare, represents the continued efforts of ETSU members, and the care they have for the community, he said.

“The student leadership on the ETSU campus has made this possible,” Anderson said. “They’ve done an outstanding job.”

Faculty, staff, ETSU retirees and men’s and women’s athletic teams grouped together on weekends and worked long days to help construct the Habitat house. Student president Jordan Tarter, along with fellow leadership committee chairmen, led the massive group of volunteers this year.

“Our primary focus is scheduling volunteers, raising funds and just kind of the organizational aspects of it,” Tarter said.

She and the rest of the ETSU team were responsible for making sure that volunteers were at the site on time and that donations were in order.

The student committee has 30 members and is made up of four subcommittees, Tarter said. These committees are responsible for public relations, volunteering, fundraising and providing food for volunteers.

“It’s a lot harder than I think people realize,” Tarter said. “Overall, it’s challenging, but definitely completely worth it. I’ve learned so much and grown so much being in charge of such a huge project – it’s a lot to take on.”

The key-giving ceremony will be held at 4 p.m. on Dec. 1 at 2194 Wyndale Road, Johnson City, Anderson said.

“We hope the ETSU community will turn out for the dedication,” Anderson said.

Author