September 22nd

By Janee' Mitchell

Habitat for Humanity International has opened a new subdivision here in Springfield, Hands for Humanity. This fall, Hands for Humanity has begun developing House #56 for a Springfield family, with sponsorship coming from the Capital Area Association of Realtors, Wal-Mart Super Center, First Presbyterian Church, First General Baptist Church, Lincoln Land Community College and Blackburn College. UIS also stands proudly among the contributors to this program.

Since 1976, Habitat for Humanity International has provided housing for over 900,000 people. Hands for Humanity has partnered with neighboring colleges and churches to create one of the subdivision's first homes. The partnership of the colleges and churches has afforded the title, Habitat Youth Build, for the project.

Students from the neighboring colleges have been dedicating their time and hard work in the construction of the new habitat home. Katie Shields, UIS freshman in Business Administration, is a part of the Habitat Youth Build team.

Shields said, "It is a good way to make new friends and do something good for the community at the same time." Shields also said that being apart of the Habitat Youth Build team helps you become more giving.

The volunteers of the habitat youth build will be creating the Marquis family's first home. Wayne Marquis is currently a cart pusher for the neighborhood Wal-Mart, who eagerly supported their employee. Anita Marquis is a school bus driver. They have two children, one of whom is disabled.

Dan Frachey, Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity, said that the habitat house will be the Marquis family's "dream home". They will have a real place to call home instead of a trailer. The Marquis family is extremely grateful for their new home and is excited to be apart of its creation.

The Marquises have been very involved in the creation of homes for others, as part of their agreement, and now they are building their own. They are at the site everyday building and signing up volunteers for the Habitat Youth Build.

Linda Nelson, local realtor and UIS graduate, said that Wayne is on the site all the time helping with the building and making jokes to entertain other workers. Nelson is one of the many realtors who donated over $13,000 to support the Habitat Youth Build.

Nelson said that Habitat Youth Build "gives people a chance to own a home. Where they earn the home and it is not just given to them. It is a hand up, rather than a hand out."

The kick-off for the Habitat Youth Build was held on Sept. 9 at 7p.m at the First Presbyterian Church. The partners of the Habitat Youth Build and its volunteers were in attendance at this kick-off, which served as an overview of the project.

The construction of the new habitat home will continue through Sept. 30. The habitat home will be completed by Nov. 7. Upon completion of the home, there will be a dedication ceremony and a shower for those who wish to bring gifts for the new homeowners.

Habitat Youth Build creates a unique opportunity for students to meet people of different races and ethnicities and become involved in the community. Ana Morales, freshman in Business Administration, said that she likes the program because it gives a different perspective on people's lives.

Morales is not yet a member of the Habitat Youth Build, but she was very interested in what it had to offer. She said that it provides a great opportunity to become involved in the community and provide a home for someone else.

This growing Christian organization is in constant need of help.  Students and other members of the community are encouraged to either help build a home for those less fortunate or give a donation.

For information on joining or donating to the Habitat Youth Build contact Susan Madison at (217)-787-7215 or Jean Jachino at (217)-787-5111. You can also visit the Habitat for Humanity homepage at www.habitat.org.