Volume CXXXIII, Number 5 October 12, 2001 f

Bowdoin Habitat project takes root
CONOR WILLIAMS
STAFF WRITER

Bowdoin has recently become the third college in Maine with an on-campus Habitat for Humanity charter. Popularized by former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, Habitat for Humanity International was founded twenty-five years ago in Georgia. Originally a Christian movement, Habitat has since built over 100,000 homes worldwide for underprivileged families. It ranks among America's most popular charities.

After gaining the charter, the group is now ready to move forward under the moniker, "Bear Hands," seeking to build its first house here in Brunswick. However, as the group has begun planning for the project, dubbed "Bowdoin Builds," it has become clear that several needs must be met in the immediate future if the house is to be constructed by the spring target date. An obvious obstacle lies in the acquisition of funds for materials for the house; Bear Hands is estimating that $40,000 is necessary. Several fundraisers are planned, all of which require additional volunteers. The group plans to sell buttons during Parents' Weekend and is also sponsoring a massage session at Baxter House in the near future. Furthermore, t-shirts will be sold to raise money during Homecoming. Several other events are currently being planned, including an on-campus ice cream toss in the Smith Union organized in conjunction with the first-year student officers.

All of this will be in vain, however, until a suitable piece of land is located for the house. "We're hoping either for a donation or for someone to bring an inexpensive piece of property to our attention," said student co-chair Claire Black, '04, in a press release. For this reason, Bear Hands is working with the Brunswick/Bath affiliate of Habitat to acquire property near campus. This will be difficult since open space in the Brunswick area is quite scarce, according to group press correspondent Sue Danforth.

Beyond monetary and physical needs, the group is seeking volunteers to add to the over 100 students that have expressed interest thus far. Beyond simply assisting the group with the actual construction of the house, there are committee posts open, and new ideas are welcome and needed. "What we really need," said Black, "is for all students to support the fundraisers we have coming. It would be great if students bought shirts and during Homecoming donated their spare change in Penny Wars."

Bowdoin Builds is a unique project, representing students, faculty, and administrators here. Despite this, the direction of the group is certainly in the hands of the students involved. While the freshman student officers are pledging their class' time and effort to the project, more unilateral support is needed. "The enthusiasm on campus for this project has been striking," said committee co-chair Professor Tricia Welsch. This is a perfect example, an ideal opportunity for all members of Bowdoin's community to contribute to the Common Good of their community. Those interested can contact the group at habitat@bowdoin.edu or at extension 5462, or can email Lydia Bell at lbell2@bowdoin.edu.