ISU/IWU/McLean County Habitat for Humanity Finalist for Carter Partnership Award

Date: 10/17/06
Contact: Kathy Beal

The partnership of Illinois State University, Illinois Wesleyan University and McLean County Habitat for Humanity was the first finalist for the Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter Partnership Award for Campus-Community Collaboration. The award was presented by Rosalynn Carter at the Illinois Campus Compact's 20th Anniversary Celebration on Monday, Oct. 16, in Chicago.

The $7,000 first finalist award is given to universities and community groups who work together to better their communities. Southern Illinois University at Carbondale won the first prize and Dominican University and San Miguel Schools in Chicago was the second finalist.

The Bloomington-Normal collaboration began in 1993 when the universities started a combined student chapter of Habitat for Humanity along with McLean County Habitat for Humanity. They have built 11 homes with local families, making the student chapter one of the most successful in the United States. With more than 400 members, the student chapter fundraises, plans, builds and advocates for affordable housing. They raised more than $38,500 for the most recent home, which paid for more than half of the cost of the home.

A positive town-gown relationship has developed from the project, including the Town of Normal, City of Bloomington and local community members. The partnership allows the universities to provide education to their students via serving learning and leadership opportunities, while also enhancing the community.