Collegiate Challenge

Every year Greater Lynchburg Habitat for Humanity hosts groups of college students from around the US to come to Lynchburg, stay for a week, and help build a house. This year, 2008, the Affiliate will host four groups of students from across the United States -- University of Pennsylvania, Kent High School, William Patterson University, and North Central College.

Many of the students have heard of Habitat for Humanity but have never heard of Lynchburg, Virginia!  They come with only their sleeping bags and a whole lot of enthusiasm. They depart with their sleeping bags, sore muscles, some with bruises from building activities but all with a new sense of fulfillment - that they made a difference in a tangible way on someone’s life.

Some even vow to return to check up on the house they built, and on the family. Their sense of purpose is palpable, because they too have contributed sweat equity toward a greater good.

A special THANK YOU to the area churches and all those who helped make our guests feel safe and secure.  Thank you, too, to Cracker Barrel of Lynchburg,  Daddy Bim's Barbeque, Rhonda Braxton and her family, College Hill Baptist Church, Norma Pletke & her dear friends, St Paul's Episcopal Church, Holy Cross Catholic Church, First Christian Church, and Jackson Street United Methodist Church for their sustaining support and invaluable assistance.

2008 Collegiate Challenge Participants:

University of Pennsylvania -- www.upenn.edu

Kent High School -- www.kent-school.edu

2008 Collegiate Challenge Images:

Click here for the 2008 Collegiate Challenge participants in action!