(JACKSON, Miss.) Hundreds of Jackson State University faculty, staff, students and community supporters have volunteered to help construct a new Habitat for Humanity house near the campus. Belinda Mason, Jackson State's first lady and chair of the university's Habitat Home Build 2009 project, said the home build is part of the university's long-term commitment to community development.
"A big part of the university's mission and vision is ensuring community development and we wanted to play a part in that effort," said Mason, who also noted that she and JSU President Ronald Mason Jr. share a long history of being involved in similar volunteerism and community service projects. Since 2001, Jackson State has participated in six Habitat for Humanity home builds, said Belinda Mason.
"When Hurricane Katrina hit in 2005, we had to postpone our participation," she said. "So we are trying to get back to our annual commitment now."
The university kicked off its eight-week volunteer project on March 7 when about 50 volunteers began framing the new house located at 164 Eric Court in Jackson, Miss. The project will continue from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. each Saturday for the next seven weeks.
For more information about the Habitat Home Build 2009 at Jackson State, call Amber Wise at 601-979-1590 or visit http://pr.jsums.edu/show.asp?durki=889. -JSU-
About Jackson State University: Challenging Minds, Changing Lives Jackson State University, founded in 1877, is a historically black, high research activity university located in Jackson, the capital city of the state of Mississippi. Jackson State's nurturing academic environment challenges individuals to change lives through teaching, research and service. Officially designated as Mississippi's Urban University, Jackson State continues to enhance the state, nation and world through comprehensive economic development, health-care, technological and educational initiatives. The only university in the Jackson metropolitan area, Jackson State is located near downtown, with three satellite campuses throughout the city. For more information, visit www.jsums.edu.
