Volunteers from Alfred State College made a positive impact on a family in need in early March through a civic engagement trip to Myrtle Beach, SC.
On March 8, before necessary measures were put in place to help stop the spread of COVID-19 across the U.S., a group of 14 volunteers headed for Myrtle Beach where they partnered with Habitat for Humanity of Horry County to build a home. This marks the eighth year that Alfred State has partnered with Habitat for Humanity of Horry County.
The Alfred State group included Residence Hall Director Robert Privitera and 13 students: Colin Blatz, mechanical engineering technology, Buffalo; Nate Cruz, graphic and media design, New York City; CaraAnn Dean, agricultural business, Sayre, PA; Kaitlin Girard, architecture, Ontario; Miranda Koch, agricultural technology, Alden; Olivia Leonti, nursing, Port Byron; Christopher Phillips, healthcare management, Middletown; Joe Piccolo, cyber security, Athens; Nicole Prati, financial planning, Yonkers; Elisabeth Rebmann, interdisciplinary studies, Attica; Brooke Russell, agricultural technology, Palatine Bridge; Trevor Sax, mechanical engineering technology, Geneva; and Aubrey Schaffer, nursing, Rochester.
While in Myrtle Beach, the students helped put additional bracing on the top frames of the house, put up sheathing around the outside to create walls, and installed trusses to create the roof. After nearly a week’s worth of hard work, the group returned to Alfred on March 14.
Rebmann said this was her third year of attending the annual Habitat for Humanity trip and that she has loved it every year.
“Not only do students get to dedicate their spring break to building a forever home for those who need it, but we also get to learn valuable lessons ourselves,” she said. “Habitat for Humanity teaches us about teamwork and giving back. When I first went on the trip, I knew nothing about building houses. Every year I go back I learn a new skill.”
