St. Petersburg, FL   November 9-11

This weekend long trip exposed students to the issue of affordable and transitional housing through an international non-profit, Habitat for Humanity, and a local transitional housing facility. Pinellas County, home to St. Petersburg and Clearwater, is a county with large pockets of poverty and underprivileged populations. Habitat for Humanity and numerous other organizations work very hard to provide much needed services to the area. On Friday the attendees settled into their new home for the weekend and discussd the focus issue and what each person expected to gain from the immersion trip. Saturday was dedicated to learning about Habitat for Humanity and assisting them with a build. Nights were spent participating in leadership and team-building exercises, reflecting on the day's experiences, and having FUN while getting to know their fellow trip participants. Students received 12 volunteer hours through the Weppner Center for Civic Engagement and Service.