VWC students and staff join Habitat for Humanity volunteers, families and representatives from Bank of America for dedication ceremony in Virginia Beach
By Leona Baker | April 5, 2011
After more than a week of cold, rainy weather, the clouds parted on Saturday, April 2, as if by divine intervention. A bright spring morning set the perfect stage for a Habitat for Humanity wall raising ceremony on Nelms Lane in Virginia Beach.
About 60 volunteers, supporters and friends gathered to watch the symbolic first wall frame be lifted into place at a site that will eventually include four two-story town homes. The first town home being constructed will belong to Kiska Morris, a single mother of two. This project is a collaboration between Habitat for Humanity of South Hampton Roads, lead sponsor Bank of America and Virginia Wesleyan College.
Habitat for Humanity “seeks to eliminate poverty housing and homelessness from the world and to make decent shelter a matter of conscience and action.” The international organization has built more than 350,000 houses for families in need around the world.
Virginia Wesleyan President Billy Greer offered the opening prayer at the dedication along with a few thoughts about the Habitat mission.
“If a project like this can’t get hold of you in a special way, you need to go to the doctor,” he said. “It demonstrates humanity at its very, very best.”
Charlie Henderson, Hampton Roads Market President for Bank of America praised President Greer for his willingness to get the College involved.
“When I introduced the idea to Billy, he didn’t bat an eye. He just said, ‘We’re in.’”
VWC senior Maura Bradley, president of the College’s Habitat chapter, was beaming with excitement to see the project finally coming to fruition.
“This is just the ultimate; I don’t think I could imagine anything better than this,” she said.
The Nelms Lane project is the first time Bradley has had a chance to be directly involved in a build. Her primary role leading up to the event has been recruiting student volunteers and spreading the word on campus. She hopes the build will generate more interest for Habitat among her felllow students. She credits VWC Community Service Director Diane Hotaling with making it a reality.
“None of this would have been possible without Diane,” she said.
Perhaps no one was more overjoyed than the families who will soon call the buildings home.
“It’s wonderful,” said Kiska Morris. “I always wondered how I would feel when the day finally came. I think I did OK. I am so blessed.”
Morris said she wants to stay involved throughout the project’s completion.
“I plan to be out here even after my house is finished to help out.”
After the wall was raised, guests were invited to inscribe messages on the wood with pens and markers to include their names and well wishes for the family.
Want to get involved? Find out more about Habitat for Humanity of South Hampton Roads or the VWC Chapter.