Written by: Khiry Clements

With the holiday season approaching, we need to take a step back and ask “How can we give back to the Valdosta community?”

The VSU chapter of Habitat for Humanity is way ahead of us as they raise funds, educate students about the need for homes in the Valdosta area and provide volunteers to build homes in the Valdosta area under the guidance of the Valdosta-Lowndes County Habitat for Humanity.

For the advisor of the VSU chapter, Deborah Robson, seeing the changes the organization has made makes driving the streets of Valdosta a touch more heartwarming.

“What just amazes me on a daily basis is driving by homes I had a hand in building and seeing how homes around the area have been improved in a way that changes the character of the neighborhood,” Robson said.

Robson continued by explaining that it’s not just seeing the homes that affect those who took part but things as simple as seeing people’s face light up when they see their new place.

“I remember at one home dedication, a young boy just sat on the floor in the middle of one bedroom,” Robson said. “He told me it was going to be his bedroom, and his excitement was written across his face. It was pure joy.”

Founded in 1987, HFH is a nonprofit, Christian ministry that works to build houses for those in need. The organization is dedicated to getting rid of unsafe homes or houses that are not up to par in various communities.

The mission statement is “to create stable neighborhoods and communities with God’s people” in the Valdosta-Lowndes County area.

Due to Valdosta’s swift growth, the city government has taken more efforts in getting rid of substandard housing in the Lowndes County area. Annually, the Valdosta-Lowndes County Habitat for Humanity, along with the VSU chapter, builds 14-18 houses for people in need.

If you are interested in joining VSU’s chapter, there are no qualifications for membership other than those already provided by VSU in order to be a member of an organization.

If you want to help out but don’t think you have time to be a member, you can support by coming to the VSU Habitat for Humanity bake sale on Nov. 13 and 14 in the Student Union from 10:30 a.m.-4 p.m. All proceeds will benefit the VSU chapter in giving back to the local community.