During spring break, nine Hood College students and two staff members traveled to Key West, Florida, to volunteer with Habitat for Humanity.
During the week, participants helped work on two homes in Big Pine Key that had been damaged by Hurricane Irma. The work included painting both internal surfaces and new external cement board and siding, measuring and cutting trim, assembling and installing ceiling fans, and installing baseboard and molding.
In addition to helping Habitat for Humanity, students completed a service project for the United Methodist Church where they were lodging.
During the evenings and free time, participants explored different parts of Key West. This included visits to educational sites such as the Custom House Museum, the Tennessee Williams Exhibit, the Lighthouse and Keeper’s Quarters, the Eco Discovery Center, the Key West Memorial Sculpture Garden, the Florida Keys Historical Military Memorial, the Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory, the Hemingway House, and the African Cemetery.
These places taught everyone about human impact on native species and the coral reefs. The trip also provided insight about world-famous artists who lived in Key West, the military history of the area, the Key West ties to the slave trade, the economic history of the city, the LGBTQ+ Renaissance in Key West, and the creation and succession of the Conch Republic.
When we weren’t learning or working, we explored the southernmost Point, Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park and Duval Street. We had a great time volunteering, making new friendships and going on many adventures during spring break!
Photo: Top row from left: Maura Page*, Catherine Page ’21, Stephanie Nasou ’21, Brittany Beall ’15, Travis Eichelberger* and Haley Gardner ’21. Bottom row from left: Megan Enright ’20, Taylor Schaefer ’22, Savannah Branch ’21, Paige Lind ’20 and Erin Lafferty ’21 *indicates staff
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