By Linah Mohammad/se news editor
The dust has settled on the wall frames of a new Habitat for Humanity house in Fort Worth.
Only this time, the volunteers were SE Campus students.
“Having TCC students help with this is wonderful,” said Jackie Navarro, the new house owner. “So many came out. I really appreciate that.”
Habitat for Humanity offers house plans for families who meet certain criteria such as having good credit and proving a steady income that falls within the limits.
“I won’t pay interest, but I pay the insurance and taxes,” Navarro said. “They help me out. It’s all in one bill.”
Photos by Katelyn Townsend/The Collegian
SE students volunteered as a part of the Student Leadership Academy while others signed up individually.
“I’m here because I like to help people, which is also why I’m in the nursing program,” said student Rachael Agoun.
Samone Darden, a member of the Student Leadership Academy, said she has always wanted to volunteer to build a Habitat for Humanity house.
“I am excited for Jackie like this is my house,” Darden said. “It’s a blessing to have your own house.”
JacQuetta Clayton, the site host for TCC, said SE has previously volunteered for Habitat for Humanity houses.
Last year, the students helped paint houses in the same neighborhood. She said volunteering to build a house expands the opportunity for students and is a great way to give back to the community.
“My motto in life is ‘Until you’ve done anything for anyone else is when you’ve only done anything in life,’” Clayton said.
SE student Carla Hernandez volunteers anytime she gets a chance.
“Volunteering makes me feel better about myself,” she said. “It’s a satisfactory and a rewarding experience.”
Connie Grube, the site host for Habitat for Humanity, has been volunteering to build houses for five years.
She said her job is to make it easier for other volunteers so that when they go home, they want to do it again.
“To me, Habitat does not have a downside,” she said. “Jackie ends up with a house and some stability for her family, but it’s not just handed to her. She has to work for it. I feel good about myself. The volunteers have a good experience, so they feel good about themselves. Everybody wins.”
Navarro’s house will be under construction for six to eight months. She hopes to celebrate Christmas with her family in her new house.
“I feel blessed. I’m going to be able to have my own home!” Navarro said. “I can show my parents, ‘Hey, I know I am a single mother, but I can do it!’”
