USU's Habitat for Humanity back in motion

Habitat for Humanity, an international nonprofit service organization, has returned to Utah State University after years of inactivity thanks to the residing club president Mike Price.

The USU club is a small chapter of the international organization, and works to build and restore homes for the needy and impoverished.

“Our goal is to raise money to build houses internationally this summer,” said Price, a senior majoring in economics. “We hold service fundraisers throughout the year and talk to local restaurants who sometimes donate a percentage of their proceeds.” 

Price desired to be a part of something impactful, and was determined to recreate the once successful service group. He worked with the Cache County Council to make USU an official chapter.  

“Habitat for Humanity appealed to me because I can make a difference in people’s lives,” Price said.

In just three months, the club has held two fundraising events and recruited more than 200 volunteers.

“What we have done in such a short amount of time is pretty amazing,” said USU’s Habitat for Humanity fundraiser chairman Maegan Kasteler. “It shows how much the community is willing to support a good cause.”

Volunteers are required to meet monthly for fundraising projects organized by the fundraiser committees.

“We send an email out once a month to interested volunteers,” Kasteler said. “The volunteers are different every time.”

The USU club volunteers for the local Cache Valley Habitat for Humanity service group to help carry out projects in the community.

“We have done little projects in Logan, like raking people’s leaves,” said USU’s Habitat for Humanity secretary Madie McCleary. “We recently fixed up a damaged house for a family who couldn’t pay the repairs on their own.”

This time around, volunteers feel optimistic about the club and admit it is more organized than before. 

“Mike knows what he is doing,” McCleary said. “He holds volunteers accountable and makes sure projects get done.”

Volunteers who have attempted to join in previous semesters are now pleased the club has finally come together.

“I love working construction, and I have wanted to be a part of this group for quite some time,” said volunteer Aaron Christenson. “I am glad Mike took the initiative and has been such a strong leader.”

Price hopes the number of volunteers will continue to increase. He believes being a part of a university club is crucial to a student’s college experience.

“There are many students up here who can make a tremendous difference,” Price said. “Participation increases your learning, and the experience you gain in clubs is so much more rewarding than in a classroom.”