Habitat for Humanity of Southeast Ohio and Ohio University launch on-site construction for Bobcat Build

Habitat for Humanity of Southeast Ohio and Ohio University invite students, faculty, staff, alumni and community members to celebrate the official launch of the Bobcat Build on-site construction phase on Friday, October 23, at Parks Hall on West Green.

The Bobcat Build is an innovative partnership uniting Ohio University and Habitat for Humanity of Southeast Ohio to construct a 1,092-square-foot, three-bedroom home directly on the Athens campus. Designed as a modular build, the home is being constructed in two sections on campus before being transported to its permanent site in Ross County for a local family.

The Kickoff Ceremony will begin promptly at 12 p.m., followed immediately by an open volunteer shift from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

“The Bobcat Build showcases what is possible when higher education and community organizations come together around a shared mission,” said Ken Oehlers, Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity of Southeast Ohio. “Constructing this home in the heart of campus gives the university community a hands-on opportunity to address regional housing challenges while directly transforming the life of a local family.”

The event will feature remarks from leaders across the university, state, and local communities, concluding with a ceremonial wall raising.

“The Bobcat Build reflects the best of who we are as Bobcats,” said Ohio University President Lori Stewart Gonzalez. “By working alongside Habitat for Humanity and our community partners, our students, faculty, staff, alumni and neighbors are helping create new opportunities for a local family while addressing an important need in our region. It's a powerful example of service, partnership and our enduring commitment to Southeast Ohio.”

Throughout the fall and spring semesters, students, faculty, and community members will work side-by-side on campus to complete the build. In the spring, the home will be transported to Ross County, where the home will be completed, and the keys will be turned over to the family on dedication day. 

"Housing is an issue that impacts all of us," said Courtney Lefebvre, Interim Executive Director of the Ohio University Center for Community Impact. "We're grateful for the opportunity to work alongside Habitat for Humanity of Southeast Ohio on campus to support housing security in our region and bring our students into the conversation around the issue and its impact on our communities."

For more information about the Bobcat Build, upcoming volunteer shifts, or how to support the project, visit ohio.edu/community-impact/volunteer/bobcat-build.