Randolph-Macon College’s Habitat for Humanity (H4H) chapter helps provide affordable housing for those in need. For years, H4H members have spent spring break building houses in impoverished cities and disaster areas. This year, 14 students and staff helped residents in Bunnell, Florida with their housing needs. Alternative Spring Break (ASB), which took place March 30 – April 7, 2019, was part of the Habitat for Humanity International Collegiate Challenge.

Bunnell, Florida
Bunnell is the county seat of Flagler County, Florida and one of the oldest cities in Florida. According to 2017 census data, the full-time population is estimated at 2,907, with the annual median household income for a family cited at just over $25,000. For year-round residents, there is a desperate need for affordable housing.

A Commitment to Help
Students commit to the ASB blindly, not knowing where they will be going until a few weeks before the trip. Prior to their departure, the group worked together in skill-building sessions, participated in fundraising efforts, and attended planning meetings.

The chapter, which has more than 100 members, participates in several day-long builds in Hanover County each year. The chapter has also traveled to Biloxi, Mississippi; Franklin, West Virginia; Mobile, Alabama; and several locations in North Carolina and Florida. Megan Cassada ’19 (communication studies major; religious studies minor) serves as president for H4H. “It’s an honor to serve communities and families,” she says. “I adore working with this amazing organization and will continue my support after college.”

The Build
The group was excited to learn how preparedness in a state known for destructive hurricanes can be addressed at the construction level. Unlike the structure of homes that Habitat builds in Virginia, the Florida home was built on a slab. The walls were bolted down to the slab, and the roof was reinforced with metal tie-downs on wooden trusses.

Ellen Stack, RMC’s director of advancement services, has traveled with RMC’s H4H chapter the last four years. “I am always impressed by the work ethic and level of commitment and teamwork of these students to this outstanding organization,” says Stack.

Natalie Realubit ’19 (psychology major; ethics minor), who serves as morale leader for H4H, says, “Our head crew leader for the build said that we should build the house as if it were our own. That gave everyone the mindset to do the best work that they could.”

Anshu Sharma ’21 (physics and Latin major), treasurer for H4H, says, “Flagler County Habitat for Humanity was very welcoming, both at the church where we stayed and at the build site. It was amazing seeing a ‘bare’ house on the first day progress into a house with finished siding on the last day. And we did that despite losing several build hours to rain!”

Not All Work
Although their days were busy—builders earned plenty of blisters and splinters—the group made time for fun, too. Karley Fleming ’21 (psychology major; English minor), who holds the H4H education and advocacy position for the chapter, says, “We took advantage of visiting the local beach and the nearby Marine aquatics center, and we attended the Flagler County Fair.”

Gratitude
ASB participants are grateful for the generous donors who helped underwrite the trip. Amanda Bush ’21 (arts management major with a theatre emphasis), who oversees fundraising efforts for H4H, says, “Were it not for bake sales, spirit nights, and contributions from family and friends, we would not have been able to participate in this life-changing experience.”