Contributed/ASP

The Alternative Spring Break option, “Rebuilding Roots in Appalachia,” will be extending their application deadline until Monday, Feb. 16.

ETSU’s Alternative Spring Breaks seek to offer opportunities for students to make a difference in communities across the nation, while also encouraging personal growth and learning.

“Rebuilding Roots” will be partnering with Appalachia Service Project (ASP) and is focused on supporting the community in the local Tri-Cities area.

ASP is a faith-based nonprofit organization that provides free home repairs for low-income families in the Appalachia region. They also continue to provide disaster recovery services for those affected by Hurricane Helene.

“You can’t meet somebody’s spiritual needs unless you first meet their physical needs. And ASP is the embodiment of that in an organization,” said Parker Galloway, a student leader for Rebuilding Roots.

Kenley Green, Galloway’s co-leader, was inspired to start the Alternative Break Option after volunteering with ASP over the summer, where she also met Galloway.

“They really just serve as an embodiment of hope in the community,” said Green, “Substandard housing is such a big issue in Appalachia. As an EMT, I’ve gone into patients’ homes where the floor is rotting through, and it’s almost uninhabitable, and the conditions are just so horrible. Like, this is inhumane for somebody to be living in these conditions. ASP goes in and tries to help as many people as they possibly can with very limited resources and volunteer labor and ministry on the side, too.”

Students on the trip will be at ASP’s new building in Johnson City, the Appalachian Highlands Volunteer and Training Center, working on construction-related projects. No previous skills are required for volunteers.

“I think one of the most important things you can do is give back to the community you live in,” said Galloway. “If you’ve lived here all your life, it’s a part of you, right? It’s very significant to both of us, this place and ASP as well. Giving back is probably the least I can do.”

Both Green and Galloway encouraged interested students to get involved beyond this opportunity and expressed interest in hosting the Alternative Break again in the coming years.

“An alternative break is so much more than just the good that you do. It’s also the community that you build with your fellow students and the memories that you make while having fun,” Green said.

ASP has opportunities year-round for people interested in volunteering who aren’t able to join the Rebuilding Roots trip. More information about ASP and their volunteer opportunities can be found at asphome.org.

The application form for the alternate break experience can be found at form.jotform.com/260133906217148.

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