Football fans support Habitat’s Veterans’ Build

Syracuse University football fans helped “raise the roof” for Syracuse Habitat for Humanity’s first Veterans’ Build in New York state. Volunteers sought donations at various locations on campus and at entrances to the Carrier Dome prior to the game. More than 150 students in the ROTC program, fraternities, sororities, the student veteran organization and other student groups, as well as adult volunteers, collected more than $12,300 before the SU game against Rhode Island on Saturday, Sept. 10.

Eileen Jevis, manager of public relations at University College, organized the event with the help of UC and Habitat for Humanity staff members. “The response to our call for volunteers was overwhelming,” says Jevis. “We had to turn people away. The theme of the game was Patriotic Day, and the success of this event exemplifies the support and appreciation we have for our veterans and those currently serving our country.” There are more than 200 registered student-veterans at SU.

“The collegiality among the group of volunteers all working together for a common purpose was gratifying to see,” says Bea González, dean of University College. “The donations collected will allow Habitat for Humanity to move forward with the two veterans’ homes under construction on Syracuse’s Near West Side.” Once completed, the homes—located at 113 and 115 Fitch St.—will be available to local veterans with disabilities and their families.

“There were many tributes paid around the country to the memory of our losses on 9/11,” says Suzanne Williams, executive director of Syracuse Habitat for Humanity. “Here in Syracuse, there was a tribute in our community’s typical supportive style. Football fans opened their hearts and wallets, putting us on our way to completing two houses to provide simple, decent and affordable homes for veterans and their families. Thanks SU volunteers and fans! You’re the best.”

“I can’t thank our volunteers and our generous SU fans enough,” says Jevis. “When the Syracuse community sees a need, they come through. It’s wonderful to watch and very rewarding to be part of such an effort.”

For more information on the Habitat for Humanity Veteran’s Build Program, visit http://www.syracusehabitat.org.