As Syracuse University and local organizations work to create affordable, quality housing in the city of Syracuse, the Syracuse University/State University of New York Environment Science and Forestry Chapter of Habitat for Humanity is taking its own approach to the problem.

From Oct. 6-8, SU/ESF Habitat for Humanity will host its second annual Shack-A-Thon event at SU. During the event, hundreds of University students will sponsor and “live” in small shacks on the University’s Quad. After the event, each shack will be donated to local nonprofit organizations and families to serve as playhouses. This advocacy/awareness event also raises funds for the SU/ESF chapter house being built on Elliot St.

Throughout Shack-A-Thon, participating student organizations will host events to bring students to the Quad, including ultimate Frisbee, dodge ball and other tournaments. On Oct. 6, a benefit concert featuring local band Sophistaphunk will be held in Hendricks Chapel. On Oct. 8 at noon, a press conference will take place. Speakers include CEO and executive director of New York State Habitat for Humanity Judith Nelson, Habitat homeowner Sukema Cook and Syracuse University’s Near Westside Initiative Director Maarten Jacobs.

“Many people don’t realize the number of families living in poverty right here in the greater Syracuse community,” says Paul Stanley, co-executive director of SU/SUNY-ESF Habitat for Humanity. “Shack-A-Thon is more than just a fun, student-organized event. It’s an opportunity to increase awareness of the problem and ask everyone to partner with us to help decrease the amount of sub-standard housing.”

The SU/SUNY ESF Habitat for Humanity campus chapter successfully raised money in 2008 for a Habitat home on Tully St. in Syracuse. Now, it is fundraising for its next house on Elliott St., where construction will begin this week.

About SU/ESF Habitat for Humanity
The SU/ESF chapter of Habitat for Humanity was established 1991. The non-denominational organization works with students and with the local Syracuse Habitat affiliate to help eliminate sub-standard housing in Syracuse. SU/ESF Habitat participants also travel across the country on alternative spring break trips, where students are sent to build homes for families in the Southeastern United States. The SU/ESF chapter has previously been recognized as one of the top five campus chapters in the United States for its support of the local affiliate, spring break work and advocacy programming.

Events are free and open to the public, with visitor parking in the University’s paid lots. For more information on this event, contact Caitlin Caspersen, at cbcasper@syr.edu.

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