James and Shena Tolbert’s life has been more challenging than most; they raised five children in an apartment complex. The lack of space to accommodate seven people is one thing, but their biggest frustration was a lack of room for their kids to play outside. This was really tough for them, James explains, “even when the kids do get to play outside, we have to watch them at all times just to stay safe.” This, however, would all change for the Tolbert family. One day, James received news that they were finalists for receiving a brand-new home through Clemson’s Campus Chapter of Habitat for Humanity. After waiting a couple weeks, they received even bigger news; the house would be theirs! They were filled with feelings of excitement watching the foundation being built as countless Clemson students rallied together to make this dream a reality. Not only are they receiving a place to accommodate their large family, they will also be given a yard in which their children will be allowed to play outside worry free. As excited as James and Shena are to move into their new home, they are also using this time to think about what the future could hold. James says, “This will be a place our kids will inherit, which is really exciting for us.”
The Clemson Campus Chapter of Habitat for Humanity has been around for 25 years. Established in 1993, Habitat for Humanity has partnered with Clemson’s homecoming celebration in effort to promote the amazing movement that creates homes for families without one. For director of Pickens County Habitat Humanity, Cindy Sanders, 13 years have passed since the first home on Bowman field was built by Clemson students, and she has been a part of the effort ever since. She explained how amazed she is every year, “to see Clemson students from such a variety of backgrounds and areas of study come together and use their knowledge to make this happen.” Clemson is home to so many people from all over the nation. There is a sense of warmth when you step on this campus, and it is the goal of Clemson Habitat for Humanity to bring that same sense of warmth to the homes they build.