When Meghan Hines ’05 came to Southwestern as an art history major, she could little imagine that she would later return to campus as the Georgetown Habitat for Humanity contact. Since she took on the role of volunteer coordinator for Habitat, Hines has worked tirelessly to see the Southwestern community build a Habitat house.

After graduating from Southwestern in May 2005, Hines joined AmeriCorps, as a VISTA volunteer. AmeriCorps VISTA provides full-time human resources to non-profit, faith-based and other community organizations, and public agencies to create and expand programs that will bring individuals and communities out of poverty. Hines was placed in Georgetown for Habitat for Humanity. “Our volunteers are phenomenal. It’s refreshing to work with individuals who are truly dedicated to the cause. They’ve taught me a great deal since I started working with this affiliate - not just about Habitat, but about life in general,” Hines notes.

Hines’ largest project while working with Habitat for Humanity is forming a partnership between Habitat and Southwestern. “Southwestern has done a lot for me and this is a chance for me to give something back to the University.” Ron Swain, senior advisor to the president for strategic planning and assessment at Southwestern, also sits as the vice chair on the board for Habitat for Humanity. “Dr. Swain has advised me in every step of the way and has been a great teacher. Since he’s a stakeholder for both Habitat and SU, he too is committed to making the Southwestern House a success,” she says.

Hines’ goals for her role as volunteer coordinator include developing a sustained volunteer program and enhancing the relationship between Georgetown and Southwestern. Through the Habitat project, Hines is helping the Southwestern community by improving student awareness of Georgetown’s needs.

If you are interested in getting involved in the Southwestern University Habitat for Humanity house, contact Hines directly at 512-863-4344. To see what Habitat projects are taking place in your area, visit www.habitat.org.