Build a Home

Ask our URI Habitat for Humanity student volunteers about their experiences building houses— a lot of houses—and they’ll also speak of building things like confidence and skills on and off the construction site, new friendships, and fresh perspectives on the meaning of community.

The Home for a Hero build is the third house that kinesiology major Monica Niebrzydowski ’15 has worked on in Old North Village, a project adjacent to campus consisting of four Habitat-built homes sponsored by local affiliate South County Habitat for Humanity and URI. “This organization has given me more than I ever expected from my experience at URI,” says the incoming chapter president. “It’s cool being hands-on, seeing the windows and doors go in, putting up walls, and getting excited for the family.”

This organization has given me more than I ever expected from my experience at URI. It’s cool being hands-on, seeing the windows and doors go in, putting up walls, and getting excited for the family. ~Monica Niebrzydowski

In this case, that family consists of a disabled veteran, who’s also a URI alumnus, and his teenage daughter. Homeowners often work alongside the volunteers, and for Maria Nero ’14, that’s part of what makes the experience special. She’s enjoyed it so much that she’s participated in alternative spring break trips for builds in Austin, Nashville, and Denver.

For Courtney Graham ’17, the best part of Habitat is “using the power tools! I know every Saturday morning I’ll be on the job site,” says the biological sciences and mathematics major, who even chose to spend her alternative spring break in Kingston. “It was ten strangers working together for an entire week and they’re like a family to me now.”

But you don’t have to build. There are other ways to support Habitat for Humanity. Amy Righter ‘15 uses her skills as a public relations major to promote events and manage social media for the chapter. “It’s definitely been a good experience applying what I learn in class to our organization.” She credits Habitat with giving her confidence to explore other opportunities.

From URI’s First Lady Lynn Baker-Dooley, to students, staff, faculty, campus athletic and Greek organizations, the URI Habitat chapter, and URI Students Actively Volunteering & Engaging in Service, the URI community has contributed more than $300,000 and countless volunteer hours to support local and national builds, as well as projects in Haiti and Chile. Maria advises incoming students to join the effort,“ get out of your comfort zone and go for it.”

Special Notice/Opportunity: True Hero, through June 30 URI’s Habitat for Humanity & URI S.A.V.E.S Alternative Spring Break have joined as a team for the TRUE HERO Competition to raise funds for projects in the coming year. So read about the URI projects and vote for URI!