The University of Notre Dame will partner with Habitat for Humanity to break ground on five new homes in South Bend.
The weeklong Habitat project is one of the many events surrounding the inauguration of Rev. Robert Dowd, the university’s 18th president.
Public events and activities surrounding Dowd’s inauguration will kick off Sept. 12 with the first symposium in this year’s Notre Dame forum series. The inauguration ceremony on Sept. 13 is open to the community. Learn more about the events and activities here.
Work on the Habitat homes, including framing and other tasks, will take place Sept. 16 to 20. About 1,000 volunteers, including students, faculty and staff, will assist with the project. The homes should be ready for move-in next year.
Dowd noted that the university’s continued success is tied to the local community and Region.
“An important part of that is ensuring that all people, regardless of background, have access to safe, decent, affordable housing and the financial, social and emotional benefits that come with it,” Dowd said in a press release. “I am pleased to join with the entire campus community in this important project, and look forward to further strengthening our partnerships in South Bend and surrounding communities in the future.”
Students from the university’s School of Architecture are working on designing the homes. The student chapter of Habitat for Humanity will manage student participation in the project.
South Bend-based Habitat for Humanity of St. Joseph County works to build homes for low- to moderate-income individuals and families. Future homeowners must be able to pay an affordable mortgage and attend homeownership classes. They work alongside volunteers to build their own homes.
