Racine Habitat For Humanity has built more than 100 homes in Racine, giving local families the opportunity to obtain solid affordable housing. Gateway Technical College Building Trades - Carpentry students and faculty have helped along the way, giving back to the local community though using their career-oriented skills to build those homes.
Racine Habitat For Humanity Director of Development & Communications Rex Hamilton says about 20 Gateway students and faculty work with his group during the week. These students come from their program and work on one of the houses, doing things like drywall, building decks or walls inside a house, and helping Habitat throughout the journey of that particular home.
“Starting in late 2022, the Gateway service learning program took on an entire house. They were responsible from beginning to end – everything from flooring to drywall, plumbing to electrical – they did it all,” says Rex.
“The program has been a great resource for us because we’re primarily led by volunteers. Having a large group of construction students helps us build these homes fast. And at the same time, we love knowing that we’re helping these students on their journey to building whatever path they choose professionally in construction.”
Rex hopes that students get a lot out of their time in the field.
“When these younger students jump in and learn a variety of construction skills, then hopefully they’ll identify their passion in this line of work. And I hope their passion starts with Gateway and Habitat For Humanity.”
Rex and Habitat For Humanity are making that happen already. One of Gateway’s service learning students works part-time for the company, and Rex says, “He’s been a great fit. We love having him. He brings a positive attitude and a great energy to the build site.”
Gateway’s service learning opportunities are a perfect way to benefit students and businesses alike.
“Gateway is the one college we work with, and it’s not just a good partnership,” says Rex. “It’s a great collaboration. Collaboration for me is about ownership. I think the Carpentry program through Gateway allows both of us to come to the table together and see what we can build as a team. That allows more houses to be built in a more efficient way, and that ultimately serves our mission of providing more affordable housing for low income families in Racine.”