Pensacola, Fla.- Students from Auburn University, University of Virginia, University of Connecticut, and St. Thomas Aquinas (at Purdue), traded in their Spring Break to volunteer during Pensacola Habitat's Collegiate Challenge.

 Pensacola Habitat's Collegiate Challenge program provides alternative school break volunteer opportunities to college students across the US. 45 students will take part in building six affordable homes for local individuals or families in our community while focusing on Pensacola Habitat's mission of bringing people together to build homes, community, and hope. 

 “I chose to participate in the Collegiate Challenge with Pensacola Habitat for Humanity during spring break because I felt a calling to contribute to something bigger than myself. My goals are to create a lasting positive impact on the community, grow closer in my faith with God, and take some time off from studying to relax and serve others,” stated Joey Pinakidis, Collegiate Challenge participant from St. Thomas Aquinas.

 Each college also donates funds toward the building supplies and materials needed to build the new home, making up most of the funds raised. Hillcrest Church on Nine Mile Rd. and Gadsden Street United Methodist Church are sponsoring Pensacola Habitat's Collegiate Challenge this year by housing the students. Several restaurants, including Moe’s Southwest Grill at Cordova Mall, East Hill Pizza, and New Yorker Deli & Pizzeria, have sponsored lunches for our volunteers.

 "We are thrilled to have these students out here supporting our mission to build beautiful AND affordable homes in our community! I think this project will have a huge positive impact in this area. We rely on support from our community, and dedicated volunteers like these are what make it possible for Pensacola Habitat to continue to combat our local affordable housing crisis," stated Crystal Scott, Pensacola Habitat's VP of Development and Communications.

 Volunteers play a vital role in the mission of Pensacola Habitat for Humanity. Whether individually or as a group, there are many ways to volunteer with Pensacola Habitat, including construction, Community Development, ReStore, and more! For more information about how you can volunteer with Pensacola Habitat for Humanity, visit pensacolahabitat.org/volunteer or email volunteer@pensacolahabitat.org. 

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