Thanks to Ashley Hall and nine other VCU medical and nursing students, another Habitat for Humanity house stands ready for completion in Henrico.
Hall, co-vice president of philanthropy for the MCV-SGA, and nine VCU students assisted the Richmond Metropolitan Habitat for Humanity organization in building a one-story, four-bedroom home in the Edgelawn neighborhood of Eastern Henrico County.
“Habitat is one of my favorites because you get to work with different people,” Hall said, explaining that she enjoys volunteering in such events as Habitat for Humanity because she values the time she spends working with new people and feels connected to the Richmond community.
“Volunteering gives (me) a sense of accomplishment and involvement in the community.”
Hall says she hopes to continue this event, as she will compete for the MCV-SGA presidential position next year. The 24-year-old said she likes participating in the SGA and being involved in activities on VCU’s Medical Center Campus and in the Richmond community.
Richmond’s Habitat for Humanity, which began in 1986 as a nonprofit organization, builds affordable homes for low-income families living or working in Richmond, Henrico or Chesterfield counties.
“Our main goal is to take people out of subsidiary housing,” said Leigh Herring, community relations director of the organization, who explained that Habitat for Humanity works with applicants needing shelter and better housing.
Cathryne Callaway, volunteer coordinator for the organization, said its members so far have overseen 200 homes built with the help of its 25 yearly participants and many volunteers.
“Without the help of our many volunteers, we would not be able to build the many homes we do,” Callaway said. “It is the volunteers who participate who build houses.”
Hall, a third-year-medical student, and other volunteers not only helped cut and move wood, but they also placed hurricane ties between the frame and the roof of the house. Habitat for Humanity plans for the house, with a living room, a dining room, a front porch and a shed finished and ready for a family by the end of April.