• Baylor Habitat for Humanity marks 30 years of service

    Baylor Habitat for Humanity

    More than 800 campus Habitat for Humanity chapters help make the dream of home ownership a reality for families across the U.S. (and in 35 other countries). The first of these chapters was founded three decades ago — right here at Baylor.

    This year, the Baylor Chapter of Habitat for Humanity turns 30 years old. When it was founded in 1987, it was indeed the first of its kind — a student-led organization, partnering with a local Habitat for Humanity, to harness the spirit and service of college students and strengthen the community.

    Since 1976, Habitat for Humanity has worked across the nation (and even worldwide) to build houses for families in need, using a teamwork model. Families who partner with Habitat put in more than 300 hours of “sweat equity” to make it happen, working hard alongside Habitat volunteers to receive a gift that is not a handout, but rather a joint project that everyone works toward. Internationally, Habitat has built more than 175,000 homes — 169 of those right here in the Waco area, thanks to both Waco residents and Baylor students.

    “There’s always a team of students who come in, very focused and driven to continue the legacy,” says Dr. Chuck McDaniel, BBA ’80, PhD ’02, a Baylor associate professor and advisor to Baylor Habitat for Humanity. “They recognize Baylor is a special place. Each group of officers will convey to the next group how important it is that we are the first campus chapter. There’s a sense of pride. Everybody wants to continue the tradition.”

    Sic ’em, Baylor Habitat for Humanity!