Ohio University and Habitat for Humanity of Southeast Ohio launched the on-site construction phase of the Bobcat Build on Friday, Oct. 23, at Parks Hall on the university’s West Green in Athens, according to the university — a project that will put a new home on campus first, and with a Ross County family for good next spring.
The Bobcat Build is a partnership between Ohio University and Habitat for Humanity of Southeast Ohio to construct a 1,092-square-foot, three-bedroom home directly on the Athens campus. The modular home is being built in two sections on campus before it is transported to its permanent site in Ross County for a local family.
The kickoff ceremony began at noon on Friday, followed by an open volunteer shift from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. The event featured remarks from university, state and local leaders and concluded with a ceremonial wall raising, the traditional moment that turns a floor plan and a foundation of lumber into a house people can picture.
“The Bobcat Build showcases what is possible when higher education and community organizations come together around a shared mission,” said Ken Oehlers, executive director of Habitat for Humanity of Southeast Ohio. “Constructing this home in the heart of campus gives the university community a hands-on opportunity to address regional housing challenges while directly transforming the life of a local family.”
Students, faculty and community members will work on the build throughout the fall and spring semesters, according to the university. In the spring, the completed home will be transported to Ross County, where it will be finished on its permanent site and the keys turned over to the family on dedication day.
“Housing is an issue that impacts all of us,” said Courtney Lefebvre, interim executive director of the Ohio University Center for Community Impact. “We’re grateful for the opportunity to work alongside Habitat for Humanity of Southeast Ohio on campus to support housing security in our region and bring our students into the conversation around the issue and its impact on our communities.”
Habitat for Humanity of Southeast Ohio works across the region to build and repair homes with partner families, volunteers and donors. Building the house in the middle of campus puts that work where thousands of students pass every day, and gives volunteers a project they can join between classes rather than at a distant job site.
The work continues through the academic year. Anyone in the Athens community who wants to volunteer on the Bobcat Build can follow Ohio University and Habitat for Humanity of Southeast Ohio for shift information as construction moves from wall raising through the winter and toward the spring move to Ross County.
Photo: Gkuriger, CC BY 4.0