A group of Broadneck High School Habitat for Humanity students raising an interior wall built for a home in Easton, MD. Photo courtesy of Jack Rimel.
SSL Leadership also helps improve upon service projects already in the works. For example, the team helped promote Whole Lotta Love’s hoodie drive for the Annapolis Angel Tree. With SSL Leadership’s help, the organization collected hundreds of hoodies to donate to underprivileged children and teens for the coming winter. “The AACPS Student Service Learning Team unites to spread joy, advocate for those in need, and empower students to serve,” said Maryam Mustafa, a member of the Student Service Learning Leadership Team. “From preparing 1,000+ dental kits to coordinating county- wide impact projects, we uplift our community with passion and purpose, because if not us, who else?” HABITAT FOR HUMANITY AT BROADNECK HIGH SCHOOL The Habitat for Humanity Club was created 20 years ago at Broadneck High School (BHS). Originally, students formed the club to aid in the rebuilding of New Orleans following Hurricane Katrina. Today, Habitat for Humanity is still working to better the lives and living conditions of families in need, this time just a little closer to home.
Members have the opportunity to volunteer at their local Habitat ReStore. These stores sell high-quality items, new or gently used, at a fraction of the cost, such as furniture, appliances, and home goods. The sales from all donated items go to Habitat for Humanity, and this money is used to fund building projects. Habitat ReStore also takes salvageable building materials out of area landfills, allowing students to repair and improve houses sustainably. Another volunteer opportunity students have is to work in groups at Habitat construction sites on “build days”, where students can work on homes that will eventually go to people in their community. Just this year, BHS’ Habitat for Humanity Club has worked on six different homes. The club also educates peers and neighbors on home ownership and finances. Once the houses are completed, they will be offered to families with low monthly payments who have completed financial literacy classes through the National Habitat for Humanity organization or the local affiliate. They must also complete “sweat equity” hours, which is the required time the recipient of the house must put into working on a home.
22 | THE MOTHERLODE
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