Baylor Habitat Project -- Week 1 Update

by LoAna Lopez

Despite cool, breezy and sometimes damp conditions, more than 60 faculty, staff and student volunteers showed up Saturday, March 24, for the first day of work on Baylor's Habitat for Humanity house.
With the foundation laid and the roof up, organizers still plan for a completion and dedication date of April 28 for Waco's 61st Habitat house, located at 1008 Church Ave.
The $32,000 project of Baylor's Habitat for Humanity chapter is being funded by contributions from students, faculty and staff.
Dr. Jay Losey, chair of the Faculty Senate, said there is still plenty of time left - six more Saturdays - and financial support needed if anyone wants to lend a hand.
"If it rains it might slow things down just a little, but with the slab there and the roof in place, work is proceeding," Losey said. "Faculty and staff are being encouraged to call and set up a day or days to work. We can also use financial contributions, too."
So far, approximately 20 faculty and staff members - a dozen of whom were busy working Saturday - have signed up to help.
Chartered in 1987, Baylor Habitat for Humanity was the first collegiate campus chapter in the United States. About 250 students are involved with the organization today, said Ahmed Al-Hafidh, student president of the Baylor Habitat chapter.
On Saturday, about 50 students were on hand helping with everything from raising the frame of the house to installing roof insulation.
Also contributing to the effort were Eddie and Anja Gayle and their 2-year-old daughter, Seraphina, who will become first-time homeowners when the project is complete. The Gayles are expecting their second child in September.
"It was just a great experience to work with them," Al-Hafidh said. "They've been working just as hard. They inspire us."
To get to the building site, take 12th Street south off LaSalle Avenue. Church Avenue will be on the left, just past the old Wolfe Nursery.
There will be no work on Easter weekend, but volunteers are needed on the remaining six Saturdays for morning and afternoon shifts. To sign up to help with Baylor's Habitat house, contact Rona Stefka, chair of the special projects committee for Staff Council, at 710-4881. To volunteer during the week, contact Matt Hanks with Waco Habitat for Humanity at 722-9897.
Baylor employees can contribute financially to the Baylor Habitat House by contacting the payroll office at 710-2217.