MC Alternative Breakers need

MC Alternative Breakers need

What is an Alternative Break? In the 1980s, Students created Alternative Breaks as a safe, positive alternative to traditional spring break trips. The purpose of the trip is to: strengthen communities and address important issues challenge you to think critically collaborate with diverse people builds active citizens who value the community as a priority

Why Columbia, South Carolina?

Central South Carolina (Central SC) Habitat for Humanity is an affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International that was established in 1985 with responsibility for Richland and Lexington counties. In our area of responsibility it is estimated that 1 out of every 4 families lives in poverty. Since our beginning in 1985, Central SC Habitat has helped over 200 Richland and Lexington county families realize the dream of home ownership.

What is Habitat for Humanity International? hat is Habitat for Humanity International? Habitat is a nonprofit, Christian housing ministry. We believe that every person should have a decent, safe and affordable place to live. We build, renovate and repair houses all over the world using volunteer labor and donations. We welcome all people to work with us in partnership. We advocate to increase access to decent, affordable housing around the world.

Does Habitat give houses away? We do not give away houses. We offer a hand up, not a hand out. Habitat s partner families buy the houses that Habitat builds and renovates. Habitat does not make a profit on the sale of the house keeping monthly mortgage payments low. Each homeowner is required to complete core classes that help them plan for their future and understand financial literacy and critical life skills. Habitat s homeowners also invest hundreds of hours of their own labor, called sweat equity, working alongside volunteers and other Habitat homeowners.

How are Habitat s homeowner families chosen? Families in need of decent, affordable shelter apply to their local Habitat organization, called an affiliate. Each affiliate s family selection committee chooses Habitat homeowners for their local area, based on three criteria: The family s level of need. Their willingness to become partners in the program. Their ability to repay the loan through an affordable payment plan. Every affiliate follows a nondiscriminatory policy of family selection. Neither race nor religion is a factor in choosing Habitat s homeowner families.

Where will we stay? Shannon Presbyterian Church Address: 607 Woodrow St, Columbia, SC 29205 Phone:(803) 771-4408

What to Expect Transportation: We will be meeting at the Germantown Campus on Sunday Morning, March 13, EARLY We will most likely fly to Charlotte, drive to Columbia in rented vans Accommodations We will be staying in a church, sleeping on couches and possibly the floor. Showers are available. Kitchens are provided for our meal preparation. We will all take turns with chores. Meals: We will be preparing our own food for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The cost of food is included in the participant fee and dietary restrictions will be accommodated. You can bring additional spending money if you know you ll want special snacks or food

Selection Process To receive full consideration participants must: Be 18 years old by March 13, 2016 Have and maintain a minimum 2.0 GPA (as a currently enrolled MC student) Be free of any MC campus disciplinary actions and demonstrate a willingness to abide by the MC Student Code of Conduct and all ASB rules. Complete all portions of the application. Submit the completed application packet to your campus Student Life Office no later than 12:00 noon on Tuesday, December 22, 2015. Finalists for the ASB trip will participate in an interview process along with essays and references to determine acceptance. Interviews: January 5-13 Applicants will be notified of acceptance no later than Friday, January 15, 2016.

Fee: The student cost of the trip is $250. $100.00 due at the mandatory pre-trip meeting on Friday, January 29, 2016. $150 balance due on or before Friday, February 18, 2016 This includes all transportation, housing, and food. Scholarship: Accepted participants may submit an application for up to $100 in scholarship money to offset their program fee. If accepted, scholarship applications are available from your campus Student Life Office, Service-Learning Coordinator. The scholarship application must be submitted no later than Friday, January 29, 2016.

Expected behaviors No drugs and/or alcohol Safety follow all HfH and MC rules Travel all participants will travel together Health Insurance required ASB meetings before, during, and after Group inclusion focus on friendships with the group not electronics or outside commitments Visiting historical or local sites Meal out try local cuisine Group meetings - reflect about our work and experiences

Daily Schedule

On or before noon, December 22 December 22 January 4 January 5 12 On or before January 15 January 29, 2016 January 29, 2016 (3:00 5:00 PM) February 18, 2016 March 13, 2016 March 19, 2016 April TBD ASB TIME TABLE IMPORTANT DATES Complete and submit application Student Life review of applications Student interviews (Make prior arrangements for a December interview, if you plan to be unavailable in early January) Notification of Acceptance $100 Due ASB team meeting $150 Balance Due Depart for Columbia, South Carolina Return to MC Post-trip Reunion

If you have any questions about the trip, application procedures, or deadlines, please contact us. Debi Higbie-Holmes Office of Student Life, SA186 Germantown Campus 240-567-7840 debi.higbie.holmes@montgomerycollege.edu Nik Sushka Office of Student Life, CC005D Rockville Campus 240-567-5261, nik.sushka@montgomerycollege.edu Lucy Vitaliti Service-Learning Coordinator s Office, RC202A Takoma Park/Silver Spring Campus 240-567-1527, lucy.vitaliti@montgomerycollege.edu