Monmouth U. students help on Habitat project

Andrew Edelman, a Monmouth University freshman, helps out at a Habitat for Humanity project in the school’s parking lot on Friday. Students and a crew from Habitat for Humanity of Northeast Monmouth County built panels that will be used to build a house in Asbury Park. PHOTOS BY LAUREN CASSELBERRY WEST LONG BRANCH — As part of a new tradition, Monmouth University students gathered last week to help build a house for a family in need.

The students worked on the build for Habitat for Humanity as part of the university’s First-Year Service Project designed to engage first-year students in service projects that raise awareness of and promote social justice issues.

“Each first-year class sponsors a community service project that will benefit the local community and enable first-year students to work together toward a common goal,” said Marilyn Ward, a member of the committee working on the project. “This year we were fortunate to work with Habitat for Humanity of Northeastern Monmouth County and specifically with Jim and Nancy Doran.”

Members of Monmouth University’s field hockey team participate in a Habitat for Humanity building project. The build took place April 16 and 17 on the patio of the Rebecca Stafford Student Center at Monmouth University.

Before the event, Ward described the schedule for the two-day build.

“Over 100 individuals will participate in the build,” she said. “Most are students, but there are also a few faculty and staff members.

“There are about 10 time slots, and only 12 volunteers can be accommodated at any one time. Tomorrow [April 16] and Saturday, students will help build the frame of a house, which will be moved to Asbury Park and finished there.

“Mayor Ed Johnson from Asbury Park will attend the opening ceremony and will hammer the first nails along with M.U. President Paul Gaffney.”

According to a press release, the Monmouth University First-Year Service Project raised more than $2,500 for the build through fundraisers.

“Habitat for Humanity works to build and rehabilitate houses through volunteer labor and supplies paid for by donations,” the press release said. “However, Habitat for Humanity does not simply give away houses.

“Those who are approved for Habitat housing must not only pay for a down payment and a monthly mortgage, but must invest hundreds of hours of their own labor into the house, so-called ‘sweat equity.’ ”

Some of the fundraisers, according to Ward, included ornament sales, contests among students, and a golf cart ride that took students around campus for $1 a ride.

Ward said the committee for the First-Year Service Project is in the process of deciding what to focus on next.

“Right now the committee, which is comprised of administrators and students, is exploring other ways to work with the community,” she said. “One possibility is to focus on hunger and homelessness in Monmouth County andworkwith nonprofit agencies that address these issues. Other types of outreach are also being considered.”

Ward thanked those who participated in the project.

“This event would not have been possible without the wonderful support of students, Monmouth University’s administration, faculty and staff,” she said. “We are also grateful for the continuing support of Habitat for Humanity of Northeastern Monmouth County.”
Contact Kenny Walter at
kwalter@gmnews.com.