Spring Into Volunteering: Habitat for Humanity’s Spring Break Trip 

As spring break rolled around, students across Pitt-Greensburg packed their bags to go home, to the beach, or some other destination for some well-deserved decompression at the mid-point of the spring semester. However, this is not the case for 25 students who volunteered their spring break with Habitat for Humanity in South Carolina. 

This year was marked as Pitt-Greensburg’s nineteenth spring break trip, with the location changing every year. Brian Root, the assistant director of housing and residence life, who also serves as the campus chapter advisor to the Habitat for Humanity group, spearheaded the trip and decision on where to go.

“Each year the students select a destination from a list that is provided by Habitat for Humanity International,” Root said. “I work with the students to choose a destination that works for us logistically and is within a realistic driving distance.”

Each year, the destination is announced around October, with applications due in late November to early December. The program’s popularity stems from not only an opportunity for volunteer hours, but as a chance to volunteer in a non-traditional, hands-on way in a community away from home while making lasting connections with their peers. Madeline Wysocki, a senior psychology major who serves as president of Habitat for Humanity, has been involved with the program and trips for the past three years. 

“On the trip this year, I gained many new memories, experiences, and friends,” Wysocki said. “Students should consider participating in future projects because not only is it an overall cause that will make you feel like you made a difference, but it also brings people together that you would have never thought you would even talk to.”

Each student paid $200 out of pocket to attend, but raised further funds through a Crowdfunder campaign. The Student Government Association also provides substantial funding to the trip each year, allowing the costs to stay low and for more students to experience the trip.

“On the trip, we do a lot to build a tight-knit community, as well. Most of the students who go on these trips become good friends,”  Root said. “For me, I always hope that students will learn new skills, gain a new appreciation for service, and develop a deeper understanding of themselves.”

The Habitat for Humanity is actively seeking new members, specifically students looking to take on leadership positions. Their next meeting is Thursday, March 21 at 9 p.m. in the Fireside Lounge. The next spring break trip is to be announced in November of 2024, and students with questions should contact Brian Root (b.k.root@pitt.edu).