Event: Community Commitment

Time: 8/24, 7:30 AM-1:00 PM

Location: Habitat for Humanity

To kick off the beginning of my second year at Ohio State, I decided to attend the Community Commitment event with some friends. At this campus wide event, hundreds of students went into the Ohio Union and were\ sent off to various organizations around Columbus to participate in service activities. The places people went to varied from the Olentangy Wetlands to Goodwill. My group and I were sent to the Columbus Habitat for Humanity. I wasn’t sure what we would be doing because I didn’t really know what Habitat for Humanity did and I always associated this organization with building houses. We walked in and saw aisles of furniture, wood, and other building materials that were for sale. Our leader greeted us and explained that Habitat for Humanity is essentially a Goodwill store and a Lowe’s combined. Instead of selling thrifted clothes and accessories, they sell thrifted furniture and tools. Learning that a store like this existed was good to hear because I know basic housing necessities are expensive. Being able to get these items for a cheaper price is very helpful for those who cannot afford to pay the full price at a store like Lowe’s. Our leader continued to explain the goals of Habitat for Humanity and how they impact our community.

When our volunteering began, we were informed that we would be smashing wooden pallets that they no longer needed. This was exciting as I had never destroyed something while volunteering. We did this for the two hours that we were there and let me tell ya I was very sore the next day. Although it was physically exhausting, I had a good time since I learned more about an organization I knew nothing of. I found it personally enriching to learn more about what Habitat for Humanity does on a local scale rather than just building houses. I would say this related to International Affairs because Habitat for Humanity’s goals include creating a world where everyone has a decent place to live. By having a shopping center where local Columbus residents can purchase low-cost materials, they are able to help people in our community achieve this goal of decent living conditions. Having locations all over the world allows Habitat for Humanity to reach out internationally and help improve the shelters of those who cannot afford the outrageous prices of housing materials.