Habitat for Humanity is a student run club at Quinnipiac whose purpose is to provide low cost housing to people in need.

This year, as it has done for the past three years, the international organization is having what is known as a “Habitat for Humanity’s Collegiate Challenge”.

Although students cannot personally apply for residence in these houses, they are able to gain hands on experience in dealing with diversity and those who are less fortunate by building a house from the very ground up.

Students also gain a variety of other skills in the process, as they are also responsible for handling the fundraising and educational programming procedures that go into the event.

Several students involved in the program find its efforts to be rewarding.

“I like to help those who really need it,” said freshman Danny Grzesik, who is involved with Habitat for Humanity

The Spring Break week, is a joint effort between Quinnipiac and other schools across America.

Each year, the participants take part in a weeklong trip to a different state, usually in the South.

At these selected destinations, Quinnipiac students use one week to build a house for a family in need.

The program not only teaches students how to build a home from scratch, but it also reaps other benefits as well.

Occasionally, the students will be able to meet with the family for whom they are building the residence.

According to faculty members, the program has earned positive reception.

“Each year the student number has increased,” said Carleen Roy-Butler, the faculty advisor.

“Everyone has a good time,” she continued.

It is Roy-Butler’s job to advise students and to help develop new ideas.

She works especially with the seven leaders of the organization. However, it is the students who have the final say in what decisions are made.

“It’s the students show,” Roy-Butler said.

The leaders of the club are Linda Zwillick, Chrissy Memmolo, Jennifer Healy, Mellissa Nappi, Danya Alper, Sara Leidner and Kelly Chadbourne.

These representatives are led by Jennifer Lorrain, Habitat for Humanity’s president.

The club originally began a few years back but the chapter has since disbanded.

Last Spring it was restarted again and by the Fall, club members began recruiting.

“Helping people gives me a good feeling,” freshman Cara Moorby said.

Other students also enjoy the rewarding efforts of the organization.

“I enjoy being able to help those less fortunate,” freshman Bryan Robert said.

There are several activities that express Habitat for Humanity’s goals for building a sense of community and awareness of diversities.

Such events include Parents Weekend, Evening for the Humanity and the Chicken Finger fundraiser.

Students interested in this club visit www.Habitat.Org, or they can attend one of the weekly meetings on Wednesdays at 4:00 p.m. in BC 129.