By: Monica Pyne
University of North Carolina - Wilmington

On November 7, 1998, approximately 30 members of UNC - Wilmington's Beta Alpha Psi Chapter selected pick-axes and shovels and broke ground for what is to become the home of Jesse Artis and her son, Lee. Under the direction of Habitat for Humanity, our volunteers were instructed to clear away debris and begin digging a twelve-foot wide driveway in an arc formation around a large tree that is to be preserved. This work was literally from the ground up - a hill, that is! Our members had an opportunity to meet and work alongside Jesse and Lee who could hardly contain their excitement about the development of their new home. It was a great day for fellowship during each of the two shifts scheduled that day. Our volunteers demonstrated amazing perseverance - even when one of the tires popped on a much-used wheelbarrow! At the end of the day, our Chapter members left feeling tired, but fulfilled, knowing that they had given of themselves to our local community of Wilmington, North Carolina.

Habitat for Humanity International is a nonprofit, ecumenical Christian housing ministry dedicated to eliminating substandard housing and homelessness worldwide, and to making adequate, affordable shelter a matter of conscience and action. Through volunteer labor and tax-deductible donations of money and materials, habitat builds and rehabilitates simple, decent houses with the help of the homeowner (partner) families. Homeowners invest hundreds of hours of their own labor - 'sweat equity' - into building their habitat house and the houses of others. Sweat equity reduces the monetary cost of the house, increases the personal stake of the family members in their house, and fosters the development of partnerships with other people in the community. (Adapted from www.habitat.org)

For more information on the volunteer opportunities within your community with Habitat for Humanity, please call (912) 924-6935, or view the organization's internet home page at www.habitat.org.

Pictured (first shift, standing on the site of the future home):
Back Row (L-R): Monica Pyne, Donna Scanlan, Mary Murray, Heather Spreeman, Kathleen Bohonicky, Kimberly Kicklighter, Matt Cleaver, Ginger Squires, Vaughn Reynolds.
Front Row (L-R): Kelly Kenneson, Christy Essey, and Lee Martin.