(Posted March 29, 2010)

HUNTINGDON, Pa. -- The Juniata College chapter of Habitat for Humanity is sponsoring a series of events to raise awareness of poverty and homelessness, including a 5K run/walk at 10 a.m., Saturday, April 10 to raise funds for an upcoming Habitat service trip.

In addition, the club will sponsor an art photography exhibit focusing on prints taken during Habitat cleanup projects in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Rita, which devastated New Orleans and the surrounding Gulf Coast. The exhibit will be on display from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., from April 5 through April 9 in the lobby of the von Liebig Center for Science.

"As other issues capture our attention, it is easy to forget that people affected by hurricanes Katrina and Rita are still struggling to recover. This exhibit is a vivid and compelling reminder -- not only of the terrible loss, but of the amazing resilience of those affected and the incredible work of Habitat for Humanity volunteers to rebuild."

Emily Gray, president of the Juniata College Habitat for Humanity chapter.

The 5K run is intended to raise money to fund a student trip to Kyrgyzstan in May as part of Habitat for Humanity International's Global Village Program. The race starts at Detwiler Field in Huntingdon and the organizers will offer a track or trail course option. The college will provide water and refreshments and an EMT will be present during the race. Registration is $18 per person.

To register e-mail: rowanbd08@juniata.edu or participants can register and pay starting at 9 a.m. on the day of the race.

The photo exhibit, "Operation Home Delivery: Habitat for Humanity Responds to the Gulf Coast Hurricanes," displays the photographs taken by Habitat for Humanity photographers. Bob Reilly, professor of social work and president of the Huntingdon Habitat for Humanity Affiliate, will speak at 5:30 p.m., Monday, April 5 in the lobby of the von Liebig building. Reilly will provide brief remarks on his work with Habitat in the Huntingdon community.

"As other issues capture our attention, it is easy to forget that people affected by hurricanes Katrina and Rita are still struggling to recover," says Emily Gray, president of the Juniata College Habitat for Humanity chapter. "This exhibit is a vivid and compelling reminder -- not only of the terrible loss, but of the amazing resilience of those affected and the incredible work of Habitat for Humanity volunteers to rebuild."

Immediately after Hurricane Katrina and then after Hurricane Rita, Habitat for Humanity's Operation Home Delivery program began putting plans in place to help low-income families in Louisiana, Mississippi, Texas and Alabama affected by the storms build homes as part of the region's long-term reconstruction. Nearly 15,000 volunteers from around the United States and Canada have been traveling to the Gulf Coast to help Habitat for Humanity's rebuilding efforts. To date, nearly 400 homes have been built or are under construction in the Gulf Coast thanks to the efforts of Habitat volunteers.


Recently 30 Juniata College students spent their spring break in New Orleans building homes with Habitat for Humanity in the lower ninth ward, one of the areas hit hardest by Hurricane Katrina in 2005.


Contact April Feagley at feaglea@juniata.edu or (814) 641-3131 for more information.