Emma Innella Volunteers With Habitat For Humanity

2016 Mar 23

Emma Innella of New Hyde Park, NY, and 11 other members of SUNY Oneonta's Habitat for Humanity club spent spring break (March 6-13) building houses in Punta Gorda, Florida.

The students worked closely with one of the Charlotte County Habitat for Humanity chapter's family partners to help build and raise the wooden framing for the exterior walls of one of the homes. On a second home, the group began construction on the interior walls, helped put up the exterior housewrap, and began some siding work. The club's adviser is Dr. Karen Joest of the Department of Human Ecology.

Innella, who is majoring in Child and Family Studies at SUNY Oneonta, said she gained valuable skills and made terrific memories on the trip, which was part of Habitat for Humanity International's Collegiate Challenge Program.

“I have gained so much out of my experience with Habitat for Humanity with the local affiliate as well as the affiliates I have gotten to work with through the Collegiate Challenge program,” Innella said. “Not only have I been able to create unique and meaningful connections, I have been able to step outside my comfort zone to benefit others. I’ve gained experiences--such as laying cement, raising walls and siding a house--that I never thought I could confidently complete prior to my participation in this program. "The most rewarding part was definitely being able to work with the family members who would be buying the home from Habitat and seeing how truly grateful they were for our help!”