UW-Madison Habitat to “Shack Up” on Library Mall

Students of the University of Wisconsin–Madison Habitat for Humanity will be hauling donated materials and tools to Library Mall on Friday, April 23 for a build that is quite different from their many others.

From 10 a.m. through 4 p.m., passersby are invited to join in Shack-a-thon, an event in which the group will construct a dwelling like those  inhabited by millions of people worldwide. They will also paint facts about homelessness and poverty on the shack and provide information about Habitat for Humanity and ways to get involved.

According to UW Habitat advocacy director Kaela Lapp, Shack-a-thon is designed to leave a lasting impression on those who partake in and observe the build.

“We hope to raise awareness among students and the community to the issues of poverty and homelessness with this eye-opening event,” Lapp says.

UW Habitat education director Hannah Barnes adds, “Education is one of the four pillars of UW Habitat, along with advocacy, building and fundraising. In order to understand the others, before you can really appreciate a build, you need to be educated on the problems with housing locally, nationally and around the world.”

Shack-a-thon just one of numerous events UW Habitat organizes throughout the year, many of them drawing in the greater Dane County community and earning generous donations for local families in need.

According to UW Habitat secretary/historian Tracey Martin, the organization has provided her with some of what she considers her greatest experiences in college. “UW Habitat is so welcoming and friendly. It’s a very relaxed atmosphere, but everyone is really passionate about Habitat for Humanity work,” Martin says.

Now a senior psychology and English major, Martin became involved with UW Habitat shortly after arriving on campus, and went on a Habitat break trip her freshman year to New Mexico. “It became on of my favorite college experiences,” Martin says.

Lapp and Barnes also joined Habitat during their freshman year. Lapp, a social work major, enjoys having an impact on her community as a student.

“It’s the perfect venue for people to have fun and accomplish some great goals,” Martin adds.

–By Sara Lieburn