Five vans full of Siena students traveled to the Carolinas (one group to North and the other to South) to participate in a week of homebuilding for Habitat.
Annalyn Footman works two jobs to support her growing family that includes a 7-year-old daughter and a baby boy on the way. She's long dreamt of a yard and a safe place for her daughter to play. A group of Siena students were there when the dream became reality. At a home dedication ceremony on March 25, Habitat for Humanity Georgetown County, South Carolina turned the keys to its 113th home over to Annalyn .
The Saints helped to build and transport some of the walls to Annalyn's new home from the construction shop to the build site, and in the days preceding the dedication, they worked at other Habitat sites around Georgetown, including the organization's first-ever energy efficient cottage for retirees. The students laid down sod around the house, planted trees, painted, and put up fences, among other tasks.
"Habitat has been one of the greatest experiences of my college career. Georgetown made sure every hand made a difference and gave us a great week."
Taylor Roadarmel '22
While the students were on site, Habitat for Humanity Georgetown learned they would be one of 84 Habitat affiliates to benefit from a $436 million donation from MacKenzie Scott, the ex-wife of Amazon founder Jeff Bezos. The Georgetown affiliate was hit particularly hard during the pandemic, and according to its board, was one month away from bankruptcy. This transformational gift will fund Georgetown's mission, assuring that home #113 is not its last.
"This was my first-ever Habitat trip, and it was such a memorable experience! The people I went on this trip with made the experience what it was, and I'm grateful to them all! I hope to go on another in the future if I can!"
Angeline Jacob '24
"Georgetown is a very cute and small town, and the people here are so kind and wonderful. I really enjoyed helping out this week and wish we could have stayed to help out more."
Thomas Awad '22
"My experience with Habitat for Humanity Georgetown was amazing. I got to meet new people, experience different opportunities, and I got to work with some of the nicest people. I always will remember this experience."
Teresa Carin '22
"My first Habitat experience was very heartwarming, and I really enjoyed my time helping out with building, repairing, and meeting new people. This week in Georgetown was something I had never experienced before, and I am so glad I was able to come here!"
Angelle Philip '24
"It's like a dream actually starting to come true. I waited so long. I prayed and it's finally happening."
Annalyn says her daughter's room is going to be painted purple because it's the color of royalty.
"This will be my kids' and my castle. I know I had to do what makes me and my kids happy. That's all that matters."
Annalyn Footman, homeowner
Concerned it's all work and no play for the Saints? Don't be. The students are on spring break after all! When they weren't planting, painting, or pruning, they found plenty to do (even when tornado warnings ruined their beach plans). For example, they entertained themselves with laser tag and a trampoline park.
