Habitat for Humanity, the City of Salem and Roanoke College have once again teamed up to bless a resident with a life-altering gesture.
As a component of the R House Project, several freshmen and school personnel are volunteering their time to help build a community member a new home. In addition to participating in the hands-on construction aspect, students are also contributing to architectural designs.
Said Jesse Griffin, the Roanoke College Director of Civic Engagement, in a statement, “We really want every one of our students to come in the very first part of their college careers and understand that diving into community and learning how to be a member of the community is a huge part of your college education. We just happen to do it with tool belts and hammers and nails.”
This latest recipient is Ayanna Trussell, 25, a mother of a two-year-old currently struggling to make ends meet despite working full-time as a certified nursing assistant (CNA).
To be considered, Trussell had to go through the Habitat for Humanity’s homeowner application process. Since she applied in the past and was not selected, she managed her expectations this time around. When she finally got the call, she was overwhelmed with emotions. “I can’t put into words just how happy I was,” she said.
The overall cost of living has gone up drastically since the turn of the century. The average Virginian is paying more than $1,725 a month just to have a place to lay their head at night.
When Shante Jones realized just how many adults are living on a fixed income, she was shocked. “Looking back, I took so much for granted. To say we lived check to check would be an understatement. My parents did such a great job of making the impossible look easy. It wasn’t until I had my own kids that I truly understood. What Habit for Humanity is doing is truly making a difference in the community.”
When Trussell walks through her home door for the first time in December, there is a chance that she will burst into tears of joy.
“Never did I think I would be cutting wood and sawing things. I’m learning the more that I get involved. Because the cost of living is so ridiculous now, I will be able to save more. This is going to make an extreme difference for me and my child,” she said.
Interested individuals can support the non-profit’s mission by visiting habitat-roanoke.org.
