College Students Spend Vacation Building Habitat Homes
By: Sarah Hatten
Updated: March 11, 2013
(ST. JOSEPH, Mo.) While many college students see spring break as a chance to let loose, one group is using the vacation to make a difference here in St. Joseph.
At first glance, it may not look like a vacation, but for a group of college students from across the country, it's a priceless break from the books.
"It just sounded like a fun Spring Break up here in St. Joseph," said Harrison Smith, Texas A & M student.
Smith is one of about a dozen students working with St. Joseph's Habitat for Humanity this week.
They're teaming up with a group from Indiana University, building a new house on South 20th Street.
"I think it's a wonderful thing that they do that and the idea that they can see that they can help people not only in their hometown but around the world. This is a wonderful place to do it," said Frank Stanley, with Habitat for Humanity.
"I just like being able to meet the homeowner and work with Habitat for Humanity and everything they do," said Smith.
Habitat saves about $20,000 in labor costs by having students lay the groundwork.
And the project gives students a chance to wander outside their comfort zones.
"It is definitely much colder than it is at College Station here and we're not really used to snow either," said Smith.
"Missouri - we always get those changes in the seasons overnight," said Stanley.
Last year, Smith spent his spring break building a house in New Mexico, so this year, he says he packed some extra layers.
"I have three jackets on right now, so I'm staying warm," he said.
He is also finding comfort giving a warm home to someone in need.
The group should be able to finish all exterior walls before heading back home and back to the books.
This will be the 54th house that Habitat for Humanity has built in St. Joseph.
At first glance, it may not look like a vacation, but for a group of college students from across the country, it's a priceless break from the books.
"It just sounded like a fun Spring Break up here in St. Joseph," said Harrison Smith, Texas A & M student.
Smith is one of about a dozen students working with St. Joseph's Habitat for Humanity this week.
They're teaming up with a group from Indiana University, building a new house on South 20th Street.
"I think it's a wonderful thing that they do that and the idea that they can see that they can help people not only in their hometown but around the world. This is a wonderful place to do it," said Frank Stanley, with Habitat for Humanity.
"I just like being able to meet the homeowner and work with Habitat for Humanity and everything they do," said Smith.
Habitat saves about $20,000 in labor costs by having students lay the groundwork.
And the project gives students a chance to wander outside their comfort zones.
"It is definitely much colder than it is at College Station here and we're not really used to snow either," said Smith.
"Missouri - we always get those changes in the seasons overnight," said Stanley.
Last year, Smith spent his spring break building a house in New Mexico, so this year, he says he packed some extra layers.
"I have three jackets on right now, so I'm staying warm," he said.
He is also finding comfort giving a warm home to someone in need.
The group should be able to finish all exterior walls before heading back home and back to the books.
This will be the 54th house that Habitat for Humanity has built in St. Joseph.
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