Habitat for Humanity’s building project is scheduled for completion in one week. 
Habitat for Humanity, founded in 1976 by Millard and Linda Fuller, has built approximately 25,000 nonprofit houses sold to people in need.  This is the fourth MSU Maroon Edition house. 
Students across the Mississippi State University campus have been working on this house since Dawg Daze.
Freddie Rasberry, executive director of Starkville Area Habitat for Humanity, said the students’ hard work has a positive impact on community service, volunteers and families of the house owners.
“Habitat for Humanity not only has a purpose to improve the community, but also improve children’s lives,” Rasberry said.
Rasberry said the college students working on the house learned valuable skills, including carpentry and how to saw and nail.
Mary Lowry Nemeth, junior kinesiology major and vice-chair of community service in Shackouls Honors College, said she enjoys the opportunities provided by Habitat for Humanity and encourages freshmen to become involved in this mission.
“It’s fun to get off campus and do something to give back in the Starkville community,” Nemeth said. “Habitat House is great for freshmen because it really ties you to the community, and there’s a huge social aspect of getting to know everyone you work with as you work.”
Geummi Lee, business major and Montgomery Leadership fellow, said she knows all the hard work will pay off.
“It seems like we did little things to begin with, but in the end, this will be a family’s house,” she said. “That is the best part to me.”
Lee leads Bully’s Angels, a Day One group that has worked on the house since August. Although setting aside weekend hours to work on this house has been a challenge, Lee and Michael Adams, Montgomery Leadership fellow and senior environmental ecomomics management major, said they are proud of their workers’ dedication.
“I have a great group,” said Adams. “I feel like we made a difference in the community and worked on our teamwork and communications skills.”
Many of the workers agreed the experience improved their ability to work in groups, as well as communicate effectively. 
Jatarris White, English and political science major, said he was unsure about the project at the beginning of the semester but realizes the opportunities of the building project.
“Managing time and going to the site were the hardest parts at the beginning, but it is a great experience, and I enjoyed it,” White said.
Students participating in the housing project built shelves, painted the exterior and met the owners of the house.
“This is a chance to do something for someone else,” Rasberry said. “It is a positive experience.”
MSU President Mark Keenum will be speaking at the house at 10:30 a.m. on Nov. 20.
Students wanting to get involved with Habitat for Humanity can visit mvc.msstate.edu and select the “Volunteer Opportunities” tab.  Then, select “Maroon Habitat for Humanity” and click “Volunteer Now.”