An Introduction to Dartmouth's
Chapter of Habitat for Humanity
In addition to the students, faculty and administrators of Dartmouth College, our campus chapter has a working relationship with both the Upper Valley Habitat for Humanity affiliate and Habitat for Humanity International:
The Upper Valley Habitat Affiliate
Habitat for Humanity is essentially a grass-roots organization, and so its success depends on local affiliates working with churches and other groups at the community level. The Dartmouth chapter of Habitat has worked in partnership with the Upper Valley Affiliate since its inception. The lack of affordable housing is one of the most critical issues facing residents of the Upper Valley.
Habitat for Humanity International
Habitat for Humanity is an international organization that works to build simple, decent, affordable houses in partnership with those in need of adequate shelter. Over 100,000 houses have been built in the United States and abroad since 1976. Homeowner families purchase the homes at the cost of materials with a zero-interest mortgage, and their monthly payments usually amount to less than what they would be paying for sub-standard apartment rental. They are chosen according to their need and ability to pay, and they must commit to 500 hours of "sweat equity" working on their house.
Our Role
Although our involvement in sitework is a major part of our service to the community, Dartmouth Habitat seeks to maintain program that increases awareness and advocacy on behalf of homelessness and affordable housing issues. Our work on campus, in the Upper Valley and beyond has included:
- Promoting campus-wide awareness with events like Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week, speaker’s panels and postering campaigns
- Sponsoring week-long “blitz-build” trips with affiliates in the United States and abroad. We have sent students to North Carolina, West Virginia, and even Trinidad
- Working with a local non-profit organization to increase Hanover residents’ awareness of an important vote to bring affordable workforce housing to the community
- Educating elementary school students in the Upper Valley on the problems of homelessness through a program that brings Dartmouth Habitat students into classrooms