by Sherri Hogan

Jim Wicks, President of Habitat for Humanity (Queens), Dr. Sandy MacDonald, Director, Educational Services and Programs of Holland College and the Honourable Mildred Dover, Minister of Education, Province of Prince Edward Island, today participated in the official signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the College and Habitat for Humanity.

Students and instructors from various trade and technology programs have been working with Habitat for Humanity on a house at 153 Patterson Drive in Charlottetown. The house is almost complete and another house is in the works.

"Holland College is pleased to be a part of this worthwhile community project.", said Dr. MacDonald. "Students in the Carpentry, Electrical Technology, Plumbing, HVAC, Architectural, Civil and Construction Technology programs are able to take the skills they are learning, apply them in a real life setting, while simultaneously making a significant contribution to the community. This is just another way we can re-emphasize the community in community college. Its great to see what the College and Habitat are accomplishing together."

Education Minister Mildred Dover said government is pleased that many people will benefit from the partnership. "The projects will provide students with new and practical opportunities to learn the skills of their trade. In addition they will have the great satisfaction of working with volunteers to help Island families realize their dream of having their own home," she said.

Habitat for Humanity is an independent, charitable, faith-based housing program dedicated to the elimination of poverty housing by building homes in partnership with families in need. Their goal is to build simple, decent, and affordable houses and provide interest-free mortgages to families who would otherwise not be able to purchase their own home. The Habitat program is about home ownership and providing a long-term solution designed to break the poverty cycle. "This is the 7th home we've built. We are delighted to be working with Holland College." stated Jim Wicks. "The students participation is going to allow Habitat for Humanity to build more homes than we could with our usual volunteer base. It also allows us to concentrate on other aspects of the program in terms of fundraising and family support."