A group of 10 Providence College students was honored for its recent work with Habitat for Humanity with a proclamation from West Virginia's second-largest city.

Kim Wolfe, the mayor of Huntington, proclaimed March 9 as "Providence College Appreciation Day" in Huntington. The citation recognized the volunteer work and spirit demonstrated by the students during the College's Spring Break week of March 9-13.

The PC students, joined by five students from Virginia Tech, assisted contractors in constructing a single-family home. They worked on the siding, the roof, and a deck. They enjoyed a dinner with family members who eventually will occupy the home.

In addition, the students painted a new warehouse that Habitat for Humanity will use partly for its resale store. Profits from home and building items sold at the store support Habitat's building projects.

Huntington was one of 11 destinations across the country in which a total of 99 PC students spent their Spring Break working on behalf of Habitat for Humanity and its Collegiate Challenge Program. The initiative is a year-round alternative break program that provides opportunities for student volunteers to construct homes.

The Habitat for Humanity service trips were arranged by the Office of the Chaplain/Campus Ministry. Each group spent approximately eight hours a day working under the guidance of professional construction contractors.

PC students also helped build homes in Erie, Pa.; Cleveland, Ohio; Goldsboro, N.C.; Rocky Mount, N.C.; Newland, N.C.; Lexington, Ky.; Braintree, Mass.; Camden, N.J.; Washington, Pa.; and Portland, Maine.

The Habitat for Humanity experiences energize students, spur new friendships, and give participants a better sense of the struggles of many American families, according to Meghan E. Griffiths, campus minister.

"The Collegiate Challenge allows our students to witness first-hand the plight of low-income and working-class families who cannot afford decent, safe, and affordable housing in today's housing market," said Griffiths. "Through their experience of working side-by-side with the future homeowners, our students gain a more compassionate understanding of the lives of their neighbors in need."

- Joe Miller '10