Macon Area Habitat for Humanity announces new Collegiate Chapter at MGA

Author: Macon Area Habitat, News Bureau
Posted: Tuesday, August 13, 2019 12:00 AM
Categories: Pressroom | Students

Macon, GA

When students return to Middle Georgia State University (MGA) this fall they will have a new opportunity to engage with fellow students while testing their construction skills and serving their community.

In the spring of 2019 MGA received approval from Habitat for Humanity International for the creation of the Middle Georgia State University Habitat for Humanity Campus Chapter. The idea of a new campus chapter to support Macon Area Habitat for Humanity (MAHFH), the local affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International, was nurtured by MGA student Kanan Patel after she participated in the Habitat Chapter at the University of Georgia before transferring to MGA to complete her degree.

“I’m elated. I know that students want to find a way to get involved in Macon’s community, but often don’t know where to start. I hope that this student chapter will be a great asset for both students and Macon Area Habitat for Humanity to build strong relations and together help empower our community!” Patel said.

Ivey Hall, MAHFH executive director said “With the growth of MGA over the last several years we are honored that they are expanding their support of student involvement in our community at the same time. We have worked with the founding members of the chapter over the last year, along with other MGA students, and they are already a tremendous addition to our local network of support.”

“The new chapter of Habitat for Humanity will be a wonderful addition to MGA and will give our students an opportunity to serve their local community,” said Dr. Corey Guyton, MGA’s director of Student Engagement. “Our institution’s core values of stewardship, engagement, adaptability, and learning will be represented through the experiences gained from this wonderful organization.”

Mercer University established one of the first Habitat Collegiate Chapters 27 years ago and works with MAHFH on construction, fundraising and other projects each year.

“MAHFH is so fortunate to have the support of two Habitat Collegiate Chapters. We are already working to bring students from the two schools together through joint projects and work days. The chapter provide a unique opportunity for students to gain leadership skills, practical skills from work on the job site and to see the impact of volunteer work,” said Sundra Woodford, MAHFH community relations manager.

For more information about the Habitat Collegiate Chapters or other ways to support MAHFH please contact Ivey Hall, MAHFH Executive Director at 478-745-0630 or by email at ihall@maconhabitat.org. For specific information about the MGA chapter, contact Kanan Patel at kanan.patel@mga.edu.

About Middle Georgia State University

Middle Georgia State University (MGA) serves about 7,800 students on campuses in Macon, Cochran, Dublin, Eastman, and Warner Robins and online through MGA Direct. Students can choose from dozens of programs - including business, nursing, information technology, new media and communications, and contemporary musicianship - that lead to bachelor’s degrees. MGA also offers professional master’s degrees in cybersecurity, nursing, management, and secondary education, with other graduate programs under development. The University is home to Georgia’s only public School of Aviation - based on the Eastman campus - and a four-year degree in flight. mga.edu

About Macon Area Habitat for Humanity

Macon Area Habitat for Humanity is an ecumenical Christian housing ministry whose goal is the elimination of substandard housing in Macon. Since its inception in 1986, Macon Area Habitat for Humanity has served over 120 families in the Macon area through invaluable partnerships with area churches, corporations, groups, individuals, non-profits and local government, through the provision of safe, decent and affordable homeownership. MAHFH also works in partnership with residents to improve the quality of life in neighborhoods undergoing revitalization and is a persistent advocate, not only for these initiatives, but also for the removal of blight and decay in Macon-Bibb. To learn more, visit maconhabitat.org.