Cardboard houses raise money and awareness
By Jenn Collins, Staff Writer
October 2, 2008 | 10 a.m.
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to spend your nights in a cardboard box? The sad truth is that people across the country are forced to. That is where Habitat for Humanity steps in.
The Athens County Habitat for Humanity will hold its annual event, Cardboard City, on Saturday, Oct. 4 in the Morton Hall parking lot. The event has teams raise money against poverty housing and gives participants the chance to spend a night in a ‘house’ that they construct, made from a single cardboard box.
The event starts at 7 p.m., and participants will have two hours to construct their homes for the night. At 9 p.m. there will be a judging for prizes. Ryan Lombardi, associate vice president for student affairs and dean of students, will be the keynote speaker. Athens County Mayor Paul Wiehl will also speak.
Bedtime is set for 11 p.m., although one adult team member must be awake at all times. A parent or guardian must accompany any team member under the age of 12, and there must be at least one adult accompanying members between 12 and 17. The event will end Sunday morning with a short non-denominational service and a performance from a local choir.
Habitat for Humanity is a Christian organization, but they help build houses for any family with any religious affiliation. The homes are sold to families at no profit through no-interest mortgages. Private donations can account up to 60 percent of an affiliate’s budget.
While Athens Habitat has been doing this event for years, this is the first time Ohio University has been so involved with it. “The affiliate is excited to have a great relationship with OU students,” Event Chairperson Cita Strauss said. Having students involved to raise awareness is also very important. “We’re still educating people on who we are and what we do,” Strauss said.
Junior Rachel Vitale has been working with Athens Habitat since her freshman year and is very involved with this event. Habitat is working with Greek organizations and students to spread the word because awareness is key. “Especially if it’s raining, people will really understand what many go through every night. I think the biggest thing is awareness,” Vitale said.
Anyone interested in supporting or participating in Cardboard City may join Habitat for the fundraiser Saturday. Hungry Howie's will be donating pizzas for the participants and then making a house out of the boxes.
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For more information, contact Athens County Habitat for Humanity.