Nearly half of Americans (49%) classify the availability of affordable housing in their local community as a major problem. Currently, no state has an adequate supply of affordable housing for low-income renters. Habitat for Humanity strives to close the affordable housing gap and Steven’s collegiate chapter is no exception.
Habitat for Humanity is an international, nonprofit organization that has helped more than 39 million people in over 70 countries achieve greater housing stability. Founded in 1976, the organization’s mission ranges from advocacy and education to disaster relief and is most known for its home construction initiatives. The organization constructs modestly sized homes from locally available building materials with the help of volunteers, partner families, and the prospective homeowner. Each home reflects the family’s needs, as well as the local climate and culture.
Stevens student and the collegiate chapter president, Stephanie Deren, said that in order to qualify for the homeownership, an individual must first have a steady job or be in the process of getting one, and “put in sweat equity.” Deren defined sweat equity as “time volunteering either with Habitat for Humanity or another organization that helps low-income individuals.”
As a smaller collegiate chapter, Stevens Habitat for Humanity does not currently have its own build site. However, significant contributions are made by the crew during day trips to the Paterson, NJ location. “I’ve done insulation, trim work, painting, and other odds and ends,” stated Deren, before elaborating that the experienced volunteer may also contribute by putting up framing or pouring concrete.
For those unable to snag one of the limited spots on a build site or commit to a Saturday day trip, the Stevens Habitat for Humanity chapter also offers some smaller on-campus builds. In the Fall 2022 semester, the chapter previously hosted a laundry rack build at Stevens, which they aim to replicate in Spring 2023. A collaboration with Art Installations Club, where volunteers will have the opportunity to make and paint a birdhouse, is also in the works for the spring semester.
During the upcoming spring academic break, the Stevens Habitat for Humanity chapter will be traveling again for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic struck. Stevens volunteers will be making the trip to Florida to join and help local affiliates rebuild homes following recent hurricane damage. Deren has hopes for the Habitat for Humanity trip to once again become an annual installment and asserts that support from fellow students is crucial to the chapter’s success.
Those interested in supporting the effort to close the affordable housing gap are encouraged to reach out to the Stevens Habitat for Humanity organization through DuckLink and to keep an eye out for fundraisers. The Krispy Kreme donut sales, upcoming Panera fundraiser (February 22), and Chipotle fundraiser (May 10) proceeds will support Stevens Habitat for Humanity’s continued efforts to achieve affordable housing for all.
