On Saturday, September 27th, the staff, faculty, and students at Ross Medical Education Center in Davison spent time giving back to the community by volunteering with Habitat for Humanity. In addition to the Ross community, several family members of Ross staff and students came out to help. “I enjoyed working with Habitat for Humanity a few years ago,” said Michelle Lambaria-Robson, Assistant Campus Director of Education in Davison, “and I had hoped this would give a perfect opportunity for students, faculty, and staff to come together as one on a beautiful day for everyone to be working outside and in unity for our community.”
The property they were working on at once had a house on it that was beyond repair so Habitat for Humanity demolished it and were able to split it into two 2.5 acre parcels because of its size. Both families have been selected and are actively working on their “sweat equity” hours. Habitat for Humanity hopes to complete the projects by the end of the year. “It was exhausting, but well worth it!” said Pati Brown, Career Services Representative. “It was an honor to work with one of the family members that would be benefiting from this cause.”
In talking with Leslie Voiles, Volunteer Coordinator for Genesee County Habitat for Humanity, the inner workings of the organization became much more clear. Probably the biggest misconception about Habitat for Humanity is that families are getting a house for free. The truth is that they are required to pay back a mortgage, taxes, insurance, utilities, maintenance, etc. They have to prove that their current income is sustainable, just like they would to qualify for a conventional mortgage. Families must demonstrate some type of need in their current housing situation: unaffordable, unsafe, unsanitary, overcrowded, etc. Because Habitat for Humanity does not require a typical downpayment, families are required to do “sweat equity,” or community service, in place of that downpayment. They are also required to attend money management and budgeting classes, credit counseling, and home maintenance workshops.
Leslie Voiles also shared about her experience working with Ross, “I can not express enough how important volunteers are to what we do. Although we get grants to fund our builds, there is simply not enough funding to contract out the entire project. Without the hard work of volunteers, we could not build homes. Your group was an absolute joy to have on site – you worked hard, were willing to try new things, and were just fun to be around! That’s the perfect package in a volunteer group, so, THANK YOU! We welcome you back with open arms!” The Ross community also enjoyed the experience. “It was a great learning experience working together as a school for one good cause,” said Hope Woodruff, Pharmacy Technician student. “I enjoyed helping Habitat for Humanity and would love to do it again.” Shina SeKrenes, Ross Online Instructor, agreed, “I am grateful to have participated in the Habitat for Humanity’s program. I cannot wait to donate my time once more.”