Habitat members build homes in southern Georgia
MEGAN BROWN
Staff writer

 

	photo submitted
During Spring Break 32 UW-Whitewater students traveled to Georgia to build houses as a part of the Habitat for Humanity Organization.

     While most students spend their Spring break at work or a myriad of tropical destinations, others take this time to help those who are in need.
      A group of University of Wisconsin-Whitewater students went to Albany, Ga. to build houses with Habitat for Humanity. The organization goes to low income communities to build or remodel homes for families in need.
      Junior Jenny Halbach coordinated the spring break journey to Georgia. She said that even while helping people and working hard, the group still had fun.
      This year was UW-Whitewater’s 18th Habitat trip, and 32 students made the drive.
      “Usually, our UW-Whitewater Habitat for Humanity Chapter focuses on local efforts, but Georgia was a prime candidate because the location was able to house that many volunteers; usually there are groups ranging from 10- 15 people,” said Brian Zanin, chapter adviser. “Also, our chapter worked there before, and the students were able to experience warm weather while doing work.”
      In Georgia, the students worked on one house and helped with the Habitat for Humanity affiliate office. Work involved installation of siding and baseboards, as well as painting homes and work on the office.
      “We worked on one house during the break, but also helped with the affiliate office and did finishing work on other homes in the area,” Palzkill said.
      Students worked in a Habitat neighborhood; the community existed of four streets of homes built by Habitat.
      “The families that live in the community take such pride in their homes; the yards and homes are well maintained. Every house is unique, all of them brightly painted houses,” Palzkill said.
      While on the trip, Palzkill met a single mother with a 10-year-old son. The mother had 200 hours of “sweat labor,” a full-time job and was going back to school to be a teacher.
      “Hearing all the work she is doing so that her son can have a home makes you appreciate all the work that is being done,” Palzkill said.
      To get involved with Habitat for Humanity call (262) 473-5555 or visit the Web site www.habitat.org.