On March 23, seventeen USM students took off on a weeklong spring vacation down south.
Instead of going the typical tanning-on-the-beach-in-Cancun route, these students worked with Habitat for Humanity International and ventured on an Alternative Spring Break (ASB) trip to Slidell, La.
Just thirty minutes from New Orleans, nearly 85 percent of Slidell’s homes and businesses were lost to Hurricane Katrina. This area is now part of Habitat for Humanity’s mission to promote a “people-to-people partnership, drawing prospective Habitat families and communities together with volunteers and resources to build decent, affordable housing.”
At a cost of $1,000 per person, students had to raise money for transportation just to be able to volunteer.
Funding for the trip “actually started before there was technically even a trip,” says senior Danielle Webster, one of the students who went.
As early as August, the group began raising money through an online auction, as well as bake sales, bottle drives, and even selling coupon books.
Students had the opportunity to choose which part of the country they wanted to work.
Last year the ASB group went to Bay St. Louis, Miss., but wanted to choose a place deeply affected by Hurricane Katrina.
After flying into New Orleans, the group stayed mainly in Slidell, La. to work.
As it turned out, Habitat for Humanity International had overbooked the area in Slidell, so the group graciously agreed to work with the Faith Bible Church Disaster Relief Team instead. Much of the work they did was similar to what they would have done for Habitat.
In exchange for their work, the Church offered them sleeping quarters in their sanctuary. When asked what her initial reaction to the area was, Webster replied, “sadness. It has been over two and a half years and there are still areas where there is still so much destruction.”
Among the many signs of poverty, the students witnessed “X’s” still marked on buildings as well as windows boarded up. And while some of the houses appeared to be undamaged on the outide, “the inside had been completely gutted,” said Webster.
The students want to bring awareness to the cause and not let the event be forgotten. People are still living in FEMA trailers.
Typically with projects like this one, the building materials are funded by the homeowners themselves. Those families who are able to pay for the supplies do, but need help with the physical labor – that’s where volunteers step in.
Many handy skills were learned on this trip, as one student shared, “I learned how to cut metal studs. Each time I do something like this, I learn something different, whether it is siding, framing, painting, or insulating.” These are certainly not the typical hobbies of the average college student.
The group worked on two projects while there: a building to house more volunteers, and a community center. The feeling of appreciation was always present, with the residents continually showing their gratitude to the student volunteers.
Many students on the trip were able to relate their experience to their future careers. “I chose my (criminology and psychology) majors because I knew I wanted to help people and this project just reaffirms for me what I am doing and why I am learning what I am learning,” says Webster.
From this trip, the students observed how residents of Louisiana still have so much faith in life, and are just happy to have survived. While there, students met an inspiring couple who had given up all their belongings and moved to Louisiana to help with rebuilding.
They currently live on donations.
On the difference a year makes, the students noticed little improvement in conditions in the Ninth Ward.
“Most people.cannot afford to rebuild and are living in tents or on mattresses under the overpasses,” says Webster.
Students were split onto different job sites because of the high number of volunteers. Activities included mudding drywall, filling in floors with clay and sand and working at a community center that will eventually provide housing, food and clothes.
Some students even worked in the church cleaning out a new warehouse.
The group didn’t spend all their time working, though, and did get a chance to experience some sightseeing and culture, including swamp tours and New Orleans.
Why go so far, when there’s work to be done at home?
Alternative Spring Breaks are common among colleges in the U.S. In the Slidell area, students from New Jersey, Washington State and UCLA participated alongside USMers.
There are many similar volunteering opportunities in the Greater Portland area.
According to Dan Wallace, Construction Manager for Habitat for Humanity-Greater Portland, their volunteers come from many walks of life, including companies, retirees, high school and college students alike. Students as young as 14 may volunteer, and there is really no age limit as long as you can pick up a hammer.
Currently, Habitat for Humanity-Greater Portland is working on improving building practices by “going green.” Soon volunteers, including students from McGill and Purdue, will begin construction on four new houses on Demers Street in Portland.
Volunteers don’t have to be skilled carpenters to work; “anyone who can lend a hand” is welcome, according to Wallace. The challenge is that when working, “you’re never going to know how much is going to get done.” There’s a lot of teaching involved, so you just have to take it one day at a time.
When asked about students volunteering in local areas instead of down south, Wallace believes that USM has been very gracious in working with Habitat, helping out with projects whenever needed. He recognizes that there is a national need for assistance, and USM seems to be “doing it all.”
He also adds that volunteering your time in a foreign place is a great chance to “visit and learn about a new place.”
It’s always great when you can do both.