News 2016: UMass Dartmouth Habitat For Humanity chapter put ‘sweat’ into building homes in North Carolina

19 students from across Massachusetts travel to Durham to help build homes for families in need during Alternative Spring Break

Nineteen UMass Dartmouth students, who are members of the University’s local Habitat For Humanity Chapter, traveled to Durham, North Carolina last week as part of an Alternative Spring Break effort to help build homes for families in need. Working with the Durham chapter of Habitat For Humanity, the students worked on window installation, deck staining, exterior painting, construction of a handicap ramp, framing, exterior insulation sheathing, and other building necessities. 

“Our alternative spring break trips are always transformative, and this was no different, especially for graduating seniors,” said student Nicole Chahwan, who serves as President of UMass Dartmouth’s Habitat For Humanity chapter. “Habitat is an awesome group and I'm very proud to lead and be a part of such a wonderful organization of dedicated students.”

Students who traveled to North Carolina include:

Our alternative spring break trips are always transformative...

Tyler Oliver, of Dartmouth, MA

AJ Olivieri, of Shrewsbury, MA

Jenna Kennally, of Hudson, MA

Turner Scott, of Pittsfield, MA

Harry Fama, of Winchester, MA

Matt Vicino, of Mattapoisett, MA

Craig Roberts, of Franklin, MA

Andrew Couillard, of Lynn, MA

Laura Dion, of Somerset, MA

Devyn Blume, of Walpole, MA

Sarah Cerrone, of North Attleboro, MA

Devyn Blume, of Walpole, MA

Ryan Francis, of Abington, MA

Tyler Zizzo, of Medford, MA

Christian Soderlund, of Norfolk, MA

Kelly Tice, of West Roxbury, MA

Nicole Chahwan, of North Attleboro, MA

Tyler Collins, of Shrewsbury, MA

Kim Schoener, of Yarmouth, MA

Maria Amell, of Plymouth, MA

Habitat provides low-cost homes to people and families in financial need.  Families put in work hours called "sweat equity hours," where the families themselves help build their own home.  When the home is built, the families pay a mortgage payment to Habitat for Humanity at a reduced price.  Over the years, the families can pay off their home and own it, or they have the right to give the home back to Habitat to sell to another Habitat family. To allow families to afford these quality homes, volunteers help build the homes. During last week’s trip, UMass Dartmouth Habitat students worked on five new construction and repair sites.