Habitat for Humanity raised money for Habitat of Greater Peoria this week through the “Act! Speak! Build!” fundraising week.
Students were invited to dine at Buffalo Wild Wings in East Peoria Wednesday, where a portion of the cost of their meal went to Habitat.
“Habitat for Humanity is a global, nonprofit housing organization that builds safe, affordable houses for families and individuals who do not have a safe place to live,” Clara Phillips, a senior psychology major and president of Habitat for Humanity, said.
Efforts to build these homes don’t just come from volunteers, however.
If an individual is selected for a Habitat for Humanity house, they also help put it together with the volunteers, according to Phillips.
“The people who receive a home from Habitat are required to put in 250 to 500 ‘Sweat Equity’ hours into building their own house alongside our volunteers,” Phillips said. “Home owners are given a no-interest loan from Habitat for Humanity that they can pay back over time after the house has been completed.”
In addition to the fundraiser for students, the club is directing efforts toward faculty as well. They will be selling cookies today to all departments in order to raise more money.
“I was talking to [Director of Student Activities] Tom Coy about new ideas for fundraising, and he thought it would be a great idea to get the staff more involved,” Emily Matuszewski, senior nursing major and Habitat for Humanity vice president, said.
Besides giving money, students can also contribute to the cause by donating appliances, couches, furniture and more to the ReStore on Main Street. In the past, Habitat for Humanity has raised money through canning at grocery stores, raffles in Michel Student Center, bake sales and doughnut sales in the library.
