Students began construction Monday on what will be their homes for the next week, scattering the Pit with wood and supplies. The participating organizations will be raising funds during the day through things like date auctions, cornhole games and puppies for donors to play with.
At night, Carolina Blueprint will hold events that the entire student body can participate in and donate during, such as a movie night and trivia night. Habitat for Humanity of Orange County will put the money toward building a home for a janitorial staff member at UNC.
Sarah Renfro, co-director of Carolina Blueprint, said the idea for the fundraiser, which is being held for the first time this year, came from a passion for affordable housing and the people who need it. She said she hopes it will grow in years to come.
“Our goal is to make this something that is integral to a UNC student experience, like Dance Marathon,” Renfro said. “Like, ‘Everyone has to live in the Pit in a shack for a week with Carolina Blueprint.’ That’s our ultimate goal.”
Students participating in the fundraiser will be required to have at least one student in the shack at all times during the day and two students at night.
Melissa White, co-director of the program, said the goal is to raise $10,000 this week. They have already raised $8,000 through preliminary donations and are looking to earn the final $2,000 by the end of the week.
Epsilon Eta, UNC’s environmental honors fraternity, is one of the organizations participating. Sophomore member Olivia Joyner said the high cost of living in Chapel Hill, and the advantage she has because her parents are willing to help her afford housing, inspired her to join the fundraiser.
