Best RSO: Habitat for Humanity
Habitat for Humanity was voted best registered student organization in the Traveler’s “Best of Fayetteville” survey.
The RSO is a campus chapter of the international nonprofit organization of the same name, which focuses on providing affordable housing to low-income families.
“Habitat for Humanity UA Campus Chapter works with the local Habitat for Humanity Washington County affiliate to supply volunteers for construction and deconstruction of homes,” said Melanie Bolden, vice president of the RSO. “We also have volunteers at the Habitat ReStore, which resells used hardware and other home necessities at a discounted price.”
While the scope of Habitat for Humanity International is worldwide—the organization works in more than 90 countries—the UA chapter focuses on providing housing to families in the Fayetteville area.
One of the RSO’s most visible events is their annual Sleepout, hosted every fall, which aims to bring awareness to homelessness and poverty.
“Students sleep outside for a night to simulate the experience of many who do not have a warm bed to sleep in every night,” Bolden said.
In addition to the Sleepout, the campus chapter of Habitat for Humanity hosts many events every year which advocate the mission of the organization.
“Our chapter recently hosted Act! Speak! Build! Week, a national advocacy campaign,” Bolden said. “We had a display and discussion wall in the Union Connections lounge and a chapter meeting that week, as well as a fundraiser at Chic-Fil-A.”
Habitat for Humanity was voted the best RSO on campus by UA students, many of whom appreciate the organization’s values.
“I like [Habitat] because it not only provides housing, but because it outreaches to volunteers as well and provides a sustainable model for doing good,” said Alex Wilson, junior.
It is easy to appreciate something that does so much for so many.
“What makes Habitat for Humanity so great is that the organization’s sole purpose is to help low-income families to obtain homes,” Bolden said. “Not simply to rent a home or have another form of temporary housing…but to build a foundation, a forever home, on which they pay a mortgage and become members of a community.”
Runner Up: ISO
