College students lend a hand to Habitat

Nine University of Minnesota students opted to spend their coveted spring break wielding shovels and paintbrushes for Sisters Habitat for Humanity last week. And, despite a 33-hour drive to get here, they counted themselves lucky for the opportunity.

"Whatever they sent our way we were more than happy to do," said U of M's team leader Kelsey Blaze. Students gave the Habitat townhouses at Cedar and Washington streets a fresh coat of exterior paint and prepared the ground for a patio at Hammond Place.

They also spruced up a vacant lot and helped Roger Fairfield chop, stack and deliver firewood for the needy.

The students - most of whom had never ventured west of North Dakota - come from a variety of majors.

They all chose to take part in Habitat International's Collegiate Challenge because they wanted to spend their vacation doing something worthwhile.

The program "offers them an opportunity to do something great," said Marie Clasen, program manager for Sisters Habitat.

Students received a warm welcome with a potluck at The Episcopal Church of the Transfiguration. Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church provided them with a place to sleep; Cascade Fitness offered shower facilities.

"So it was a really supportive community collaboration," said Clasen.

Blaze said it was the community support that made the work especially gratifying. Working alongside regular volunteers, says Blaze, "a lot can be accomplished. And while it is a lot of hard work in doing it, you are not only helping a family but the community as well."

When students finished work each afternoon, they made tracks to see local sights including Smith Rock and Wizard Falls Fish Hatchery. On their only day off they ventured to the coast, with a stop at Belknap Hot Springs.

"They really got to experience Central Oregon as well as do meaningful work for us," said Clasen.

"It was a huge change from the cities," said Blaze. "The town itself is amazing and beautiful. There was so much to do... we tried to get it all in.

"Everyone in Sisters is amazing: so generous, kind and more than accommodating from the first night we got there. When we were getting ready to leave on Friday, the whole group was not ready to leave.

"The success of the Sisters Habitat is amazing - to have helped build 45 homes for families - especially for the size of Sisters. I know I personally felt very proud to be a part of that for even a week."