Students turn houses into homes

A group of students from the University journeyed to 49th and Stiles streets to help Habitat for Humanity renovate homes. The students, who were mainly residents of Ware College House, engaged in various aspects of the building process, including painting, varnishing and cement work. Emily Meyers, a board member of the West Philadelphia chapter, said the group's goal is "to build simple, decent, affordable houses that are well constructed as cheaply as possible ? and we try to work as close with the family [moving into the home] as possible from the beginning." Habitat for Humanity rebuilds homes that have been condemned, and takes hold of the mortgage, assisting families in affording these houses, Meyers said. Unlike a bank, however, Habitat does not charge interest on the home. The cost of the mortgage is determined by the amount of money spent on the reconstruction. The family is responsible for paying back the mortgage while working alongside Habitat volunteers, Meyers said. The number of hours required of the family varies per chapter. This provides the family with a home, the city with a tax base and Habitat for Humanity with an income that allows it to fund the rebuilding of another house, Meyers said. The West Philadelphia Chapter of Habitat dedicated its 10th building, 4961 Stiles St., on Saturday, Meyers said. The dedication ceremony, which ended a build-a-thon on Stiles Street, attracted a crowd, including Millard and Linda Fuller, the founders of Habitat for Humanity, who came in from Atlanta. Barbara Thompson, her husband, their two daughters and their two granddaughters will move into the house. The Thompsons should be able to move into the house in November. For Barbara Thompson, Habitat for Humanity has meant "owning my own home ? being able to afford decent housing in Philadelphia for once." "It just shows if everyone works together, how much they can accomplish," said Wharton sophomore Aaron Erter, treasurer of the University group. "They've totally cleaned it up. It's a different atmosphere ? Last year [when he first worked on the house] there were crack vials on the street." "It's something I find very satisfying and rewarding," said Bussey, who has been coming to the site with different groups of students from the University every Friday and Saturday. "It also gives you a good sense of accomplishment in that every day you see the results of your labors." The Fullers started Habitat for Humanity, a non-profit organization, in 1976, Meyers said. Since then, more than 700 chapters have been established nationally and 40 overseas, said College senior Greg Bussey, president of the University's Habitat group. The West Philadelphia chapter was started in 1987, Bussey added.