On Thursday, Sept. 3, building construction students and Habitat for Humanity of Utah County (HFHUC) came together to break ground for the partnership’s second home.
In spring 2008, the Rico family received the first Habitat for Humanity home, built in part by the UVU Department of Construction Management. UVU was heavily involved in the entire building process of the home and even with the final decorating touches.
“UVU is exited and thrilled to work with Habitat for Humanity again. We are taking what we learn academically in the classroom and putting it to practice,” said Mike Moon, program coordinator of UVU Volunteer and Service Learning. “Learn, do, become. It is part of our engaged learning program.”
Moon also said it was one of the university’s goals to provide students with real-world learning opportunities to give them the experience, contacts and resume that will help them get into to the job market after they graduate.
The home is to be built for the Terry family, consisting of Michelle Terry, her disabled mother and three children between the ages of two and six.
UVU departments and participating community organizations have the opportunity to “adopt” a room in the house, beginning with children’s rooms. They may contribute by doing anything from painting to fully furnishing a room.
“We are so grateful for the Habitat for Humanity program and for UVU,” said Terry. “It feels like we have won the jackpot.”
After a short ceremony, Terry, UVU, Orem City Council and HFHUC representatives made the first few holes in the rocky ground where someday soon a home will stand.
Located around 800 South and Orem Boulevard, it will be adjacent to two other recently completed HFHUC homes.
“As the commuity comes together you can see the progress resulting in a home that will change a family’s life,” said Johnathan Mecham, board president of HFHUC. “It really makes a difference.”
