Stephanie Imperato Volunteers With Habitat For Humanity

2016 Mar 23

Stephanie Imperato of Washingtonville, 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.

Imperato, who is majoring in Communication 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.

“The week in Florida was one of the most rewarding things I've ever done,” said Imperato. “Even when I didn't personally know these families, it just felt so good knowing how happy they would be walking into a house I helped build!”