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December 6, 2012 News 3 Xavier builds house with Habitat for Humanity This Thanksgiving Break, 18 Xavier Saints offered up one of their days off to assist in the construction of a house for Habitat for Humanity. Habitat for Humanity is a nonprofit Christian housing ministry that has built over 500,000 homes and has served 2.5 million people worldwide. Its vision is to have a world where everyone has a decent place to live. Last year, Habitat for Humanity began the Youth United program so students ages 16-25 can assist in building homes. Xavier currently participates in this program and students have helped build homes on multiple occasions this year. The most recent build day was November 19. From eight in the morning until three in the afternoon, Xavier students, along with teachers Mr. Lilly and Mrs. Sullivan, put up siding, insulation, and weather proofing sheets on a home in the flood zone of Cedar Rapids. They were guided by experienced construction managers and volunteers who had been overseeing the construction of the home for months. Students age 18 or older were allowed to work on ladders to help with the construction of the exterior while the younger volunteers focused on the interior. By the end of the day, the entire outside of the house was finished and the inside was ready for sheetrock. Students who volunteered at the house felt satisfied after completing their work. “It was really fun. It’s not often you get to spend an entire day with your friends working on something other than school,” junior Grace Busse said. “I would definitely recommend this to other students, and if another opportunity comes up I plan to do it again myself!” According to Assistant Principal Angela Olson, volunteering on this project is part of Xavier’s 15th Anniversary celebration. Xavier hopes to participate in more Habitat for Humanity build days throughout winter. Maria Efting News Writer Right: Xavier students and staff help complete the siding on a house for Habitat on Humanity on November 19. Jessica Schneider Photos Above: Xavier students socialize after finishing their work on the house for Habitat for Humanity on November 19. Xavier plans to participate in more build days throughout winter.
