Faculty and Staff Help Build Bridgeport Home

Volunteers join Habitat for Humanity in making life better for a local family

Sacred Heart University staff and faculty members recently rolled up their sleeves and spent a day helping Habitat for Humanity (HFH) build a better home for a Bridgeport family.

Habitat for Humanity is a nonprofit organization that partners with families, volunteers and donors to build decent and affordable housing and welcoming neighborhoods.

Nine recruits with SHU’s volunteer programs & service learning department worked with Habitat for Humanity of Coastal Fairfield County constructing exterior and interior second-floor walls and framing first-floor windows at the Clifford Street, Bridgeport home.

“It is always great to work with the Sacred Heart University volunteers,” said John Poppa, HFH site supervisor. “Just like today, they bring a great attitude and always are motivated to help with any project. The volunteers are engaged with the work and willing to take on more. The fact that we got so much done today is proof of this.”

Volunteers included Kathy Dilks, director of graduate student affairs; Lisa Henderson, coordinator of learning support services; Beth Koscinski, assistant director of communications; Elizabeth Luoma, Center for Teaching & Learning director; Caitlin Ross, assistant professor in the communication disorders department; Christopher Sage, nursing instructor; Deborah Samilenko, executive director, and Anet Surrusco, director of information technology administrative services, and Roger Williams, finance instructor.

“In addition to the rewarding work, volunteering is a great way to meet fellow Sacred Heart employees,” Williams said.

Ross, who learned to use a circular saw that day, described the experience as challenging and fulfilling. “It was wonderful to get outside of my element and work with fellow, community-minded SHU employees,” she said.

Photo: Kathy Dilks (graduate student affairs) and Anet Surrusco (IT) work at the Habitat for Humanity site on Clifford Street in Bridgeport.