Elon University
IN-47: Innovation A

Elon University’s Facilities Management department (previously called Physical Plant) started a new community engagement program in late spring of 2020 with its monthly Habitat for Humanity build days. Once a month, a small team of 6 to 10 staff from Facilities Management volunteers with Habitat for Humanity to support the construction of affordable homes in the surrounding community. The staff who volunteer receive paid time through the university’s volunteer leave program. Since the program started, Facilities Management staff have assisted with building five Habitat homes. The program was developed in early 2020 through a collaboration between Facilities Management and Elon University’s Kernodle Center for Civic Life, along with Habitat for Humanity of Alamance County, and proceeded with implementation despite the pandemic. Having regular volunteers from Facilities Management has been a great support to Habitat for Humanity, who saw a reduction in other regular volunteers due to the pandemic.
Elon University’s Facilities Management staff have contributed over 350 volunteer hours toward building five affordable homes in Alamance County. In addition to the volunteer hours, Facilities Management staff bring their wealth of experience in construction and maintenance to the Habitat construction sites. This expertise allows the volunteer teams to complete more complex tasking that is typically outsourced to general contractors. With Facilities Management help, Habitat for Humanity can avoid the costs associated with hiring general contractors, thus making these homes more affordable for the homeowner.
Most importantly, the opportunity to volunteer with Habitat for Humanity has allowed staff from Facilities Management to interact with members of the local community who are recipients of affordable housing support from Habitat for Humanity. This interaction has fostered friendship and understanding and has helped create a culture of inclusivity within Facilities Management.