Like hundreds of other students from schools across the country, a group of USM students flew to Florida for spring break. Instead of hitting the beaches, though, these nine students built houses for those in need.
The USM group worked on construction projects with a Habitat for Humanity affiliate in North Fort Myers, an area hit hard by hurricanes that struck the region in the fall of 2004. The trip was designed to give students an alternative to the traditional spring break with its focus on service and its designation as alcohol free. USM students have worked over spring break with Habitat for Humanity affiliates in Florida for the last several years.
The students' commitment to their trip began months before their departure. The group conducted a number of fundraisers to offset expenses and before students departed they worked with the Greater Portland Habitat for Humanity to help build a home in Cumberland. The students hard work in the Sunshine State paid off not only for those whose homes they built, but also for them in immeasureable ways. It's an experience that USM wants to build on in the future.
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