Habitat for Humanity International marks its
800th Campus Chapter

MANILA, Philippines, March 8, 2004 – Students working
to help low-income families realize the dream of
homeownership will come together at the International
School-Manila to celebrate the 800th Habitat for
Humanity Campus Chapter worldwide.

As part of the day’s events on March 13, students will
raise walls and pound nails in the community of San
Pedro, Laguna, building houses with families currently
living in shacks. Millard and Linda Fuller, who founded
Habitat for Humanity, also will join the students in
their celebration.

“The future of Habitat for Humanity’s movement lies
with young people,” said Millard Fuller. “I am thankful
to the many dedicated students who are working hard to
make a difference in people’s lives by helping to raise
money or build Habitat homes. It is a remarkable
achievement that students and faculty around the world
have come together to create 800 campus chapters.”
The first campus chapter was founded in 1987 at Baylor
University in Waco, Texas. A year later, the first high
school campus chapter formed at Marist School in
Atlanta. In 1990, the first international campus
chapter began at the University of Technology in Lae,
Papua New Guinea. Today, campus chapters exist in 47
U.S. states and throughout the world on six continents
and in 28 countries.

“The growing number of students involved with Habitat
for Humanity bring their energy and enthusiasm to help
people in need,” said Kathy Saad, manager, Habitat for
Humanity International’s Campus Chapters and Youth
Programs department. “Campus chapters give students a
chance to get involved in their local communities and
to further Habitat’s mission.”

Habitat for Humanity Campus Chapters are independent,
student-led organizations that work to eliminate
substandard housing. Working in partnership with local
Habitat affiliates, campus chapters build houses and
raise funds and awareness. Campus chapters also are
actively involved with national programs such as
Collegiate Challenge Spring Break, HabiFest and Youth
United. Habitat’s Campus Chapters and Youth Programs
has raised more than seven million dollars to build
simple, decent homes.

Postcard Fundraising

Japan, March, 2004-Meiji Gakuin Campus Chapter has successfully
raised funds and awareness by making postcards. Cute and
inspiring photos were taken during their GV project in the
Philippines with a team member's digital camera, and made into
postcards back in Japan. To keep the cost low, the printing was
done at team members' homes and in convenience stores; the
students said they were very easy to make. They included a
Habitat quote such as 'Home is where the hope is!' as well as
facts and messages about global poverty and Habitat. The
postcards were popular sellers at the Meiji Gakuin school festival,
and everyone who buys or receives them will gain awareness of
Habitat's work!