College hosting flood relief volunteers
Cornell College will host hundreds of Habitat for Humanity AmeriCorps National Direct and VISTA members from across the country who are in the region for the annual Habitat for Humanity AmeriCorps Build-a-Thon.
As part of the annual event, more than 20 homes will be built, rehabilitated or repaired in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, June 11-18. Participants will repair homes through Habitat for Humanity’s A Brush with Kindness program.
The volunteers will stay in five of the college’s dorms and eat breakfast and dinner on campus.
This is the second consecutive year Cedar Valley Habitat for Humanity has been selected to host the event as they continue to build affordable housing in a region that was severely flooded in 2008.
“The 2010 Build-a-Thon celebrates the impact Habitat AmeriCorps members have in local communities throughout the U.S., but also highlights the continued need for affordable housing in the Cedar Rapids area. This year, 2010 Build-a-Thon participants and Cedar Valley Habitat for Humanity are building new homes, as well as rehabbing and repairing existing homes,” said Larry Gluth, senior vice president, U.S. & Canada for Habitat for Humanity International. “AmeriCorps members are on the front lines of Habitat’s work daily and devote themselves to our mission and the families being served in their communities. It is always exciting to witness what they can accomplish together in a week and we are very grateful for their commitment and service.”
Nearly 4,000 homes were damaged by fast-rising water during the devastating Iowa floods of June 2008, the worst natural and economic disaster the state’s history. While 90 counties were declared federal disaster areas, Cedar Rapids was the most significantly affected.
Each year the AmeriCorps Build-a-Thon helps to raise awareness around affordable housing, highlight Habitat’s partnership of the Corporation for National and Community Service and Habitat for Humanity International, and increase the capacity of a community to meet its local needs.
