About Illinois State University/ Illinois Wesleyan University Habitat for Humanity
The joint
ISU/IWU chapter of Habitat for Humanity is one of the most successful
chapters in the United States, having built 14 houses in the last 14 years!
In 2006, the partnership of ISU, IWU and McLean County Habitat for Humanity
was the first finalist for the Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter Partnership Award
for Campus-Community Collaboration. The first finalist award is given to
universities and community groups who demonstrate commitment to improving
their communities.
During the
2009-2010 school year, for the first time in our history, ISU/IWU Habitat
for Humanity will be building two houses
with families in need in our community. These will be the 15th and
16th student built houses in Bloomington-Normal, Illinois. The
houses will also be the first LEED Certified single family
homes in McLean County, Illinois.
LEED stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design and exceeds
Energy Star standards for reducing energy consumption. Our student
volunteers work every Saturday morning from 7:45am-12pm during the academic
year. Student volunteers work on every aspect of the project,
including: landscaping, framing, siding, roofing drywall, insulation and
trim. Additionally, many other student volunteers provide administrative
support, educate, advocate and fundraise.
ISU/IWU Habitat
for Humanity is part of an international social movement which has built
over 300,000 houses, housing 1.5 million people, in nearly 90 countries
since 1976. Locally, Habitat for Humanity has built
116 houses in McLean County,
Illinois. The goal of all Habitat for Humanity campus
chapters and affiliates is to
eradicate substandard housing around the world. Our mission involves acting
locally, but thinking globally.