David Exe and Stephanie Dooper, who biked 1,000 miles along the West Coast to raise money for the UofL student-funded Habitat for Humanity house.
David Exe and Stephanie Dooper, who biked 1,000 miles along the West Coast to raise money for the UofL student-funded Habitat for Humanity house.

The UofL chapter of Habitat for Humanity is ready to nail down its most significant accomplishment to date.

September 17-19 will be the Raise the Roof event for the first student-funded Habitat for Humanity house to be built in Louisville. The money was raised by the UofL students.

“This project has been a culmination of three years of work. It would not have happened if it were not for the amazing campus chapter members and the support of the university,” said Stephanie Dooper, a UofL senior and president of the UofL Habitat for Humanity chapter.

Lisa Echsner, Habitat of Humanity director of marketing and development, said she is excited to see this project happen.

“Habitat for Humanity of Metro Louisville has worked with the students at UofL for many years. We are thrilled to see this dream come to fruition, both for the hard-working chapter members and for our homeowner,” Echsner said.

Dooper came up with the idea for students to raise the $44,000 needed to build a Habitat house. Her plan won her a spot at the annual Clinton Global Initiative University.

“UofL students have a long tradition of service to the community, and we are proud of their dedication and hard work to make this house a reality,” said UofL President James Ramsey. “These great students recognize that home ownership is an important step toward a brighter future and that giving back is as much a part of their education as going to class.”

Habitat for Humanity of Metro Louisville, established in1985, has built or remodeled over 445 houses in the city. The student-funded house will be built in the Portland neighborhood.

The UofL Habitat chapter has received a $20,000 matching grant from Texas Roadhouse and is continuing to raise money. To donate, visit https://www.crowdrise.com/uoflhabitat. Volunteers are also needed. To volunteer, visit www.louisvillehabitat.org.