Imagine being in the market for a house. Your list of amenities is small. Walls, a door, maybe a few windows, and some carpeting is all you ask. Youth United, a supplemental initiative to Habitat for Humanity, constructed this humble abode out of cardboard as part of a fundraiser for an entirely youth-built Habitat house. Prospective buyers viewed the home April 16th and 17th in the Riverview Plaza parking lot, New Kensington, during The Encampment. This Encampment was purposed to alert citizens to the issues of homelessness and substandard housing in our communities as well as raise the finances to amend these circumstances. As the first cooperative effort of Habitat for Humanity Allegheny Valley (HFHAV) Youth United participants, students from eleven area school districts descended upon the Riverview Plaza on Tarentum Bridge Road with their improvised shelters and a mission. Their efforts were not without reward; they succeeded in bringing in $1400. Success seems to come naturally to these wonderful kids, who managed to sell their cardboard house for a cool $100.

Youth United is a charitable National organization committed to building homes, just like Habitat for Humanity International. No, not cardboard homes, real ones. The target ages for volunteers are 5 to 25. These youth define hands-on philanthropy, dedicating time and elbow grease to fund and build a home. Each house costs an average of $45,000 and takes 60 days to build. Workdays are generally Saturdays so it often takes over a year to complete. However, they catch up during summer with work camps that incorporate volunteers from other areas.

I had the opportunity to talk with Diane Belitskus, Executive Director of HFHAV along with Michelle Bond, Youth United Chairperson, and many of the Youth United kids. They are incredible and motivated to do this good work for their communities. It was satisfying and comforting to hear about how these young people dedicate their Saturdays to building a home for someone else.

Each member has his/her own reason for helping. Shannon Joyc, a Senior at Fox Chapel High School, volunteered with her youth group after seeing Youth United highlighted on the TV show 7th Heaven. Meghan Napoli, a Plum High School student, joined the group following in her brother’s footsteps. Since joining, Meghan initiated the formation of a campus chapter at her school. Christian and Michael McGarrah, students at Valley Middle and High Schools, joined Habitat with their mom, Shawnda Bukner. Michael said, “I didn’t have anything else to do on Saturdays,” and now he looks forward to meeting new people and the fun atmosphere at the building sites. Shawnda is a future homeowner through Habitat and believes it’s important that the youth are there because they are “learning valuable skills and doing something good for the community.” Bobby Salvati, 16, whose idea it was for The Encampment, has been working with Habitat for nearly seven years. Bobby joined with his dad, Joey, who said, “I was supposed to,” when asked why he chose to become involved. Joey is their contractor, and according to Diane Belitskus, has been invaluable to their efforts.

The group is quick to recognize divine assistance in their endeavors, such as the placement of Joey Salvati in the group as well as with the procurement of the location for The Encampment.

These are only a few of the 50-something youth who participated with The Encampment. Michelle Bond is very proud of these young citizens and said, “[it’s] another way to showcase wonderfully giving kids.” She and Diane are so enthusiastic about this program and they love working with young people. If you are between ages 5 and 25 and would like to get involved, contact Diane Belitskus at 724-339-2777.

For more information visit Habitat for Humanity International at http://www.habitat.org/ or the Allegheny Valley chapter to find out more about Youth United at http://www.habitatav.org/.