The highlight of the event was the ceremonial wall-raising, which also included the signing of the wall by individuals present at the site.
Geroge Ryan, member of the Pioneer Valley Habitat (PVH), introduced the event by recognizing the College's contribution to the four-year project. "This program wouldn't have happened without the generosity and support of Amherst College," said Ryan. "We owe a big debt of gratitude."
Dean of Students Ben Lieber, who spoke after Ryan, added that the project would not have been possible without the collective effort of students, school officials and community members. "This is really a groundbreaking moment ... for the College," he said. "We have never entered an expensive partnership with the community." Director of Facilities Jim Brassord expressed similar thoughts, stating that it took members of the entire community to put the project together.
College officials at the event emphasized the project's message regarding community service. "The project is exciting ... because Amherst College and [its] students are creating a model for involvement for academic institutions across the country and is challenging other colleges to make similar commitments," said Director of Outreach Scott Laidlaw.
Kathryn Perry and her daughter Rachel, the individuals who will be living in the new house, also shared their visions for the new home, which include a garden and a clothesline.
Rachel's former second grade teacher, Janine Kelly, also discussed the impact the new house would have on Rachel. "She's wanted a house for years," said Kelly. "It's going to do a lot for her self-esteem."
According to President of Habitat for Humanity-Amherst Daniel de Zeeuw '08, the family underwent an extensive applications and interview process, which involves financial requirements and assurance that the family can contribute to the house's construction.
Saturday's event pleased many community members, who saw the high attendance as a sign of support for the initiative. "The turnout was great. There were more people there than I expected," said de Zeeuw.
According to Executive Driector of PVH MJ Adams, the wall-raising event is the first that PVH has done. "It's nice to give [the project] form. I've seen the thing on paper for years," she said.
The College and the Pioneer Valley chapter of Habitat unveiled the project in Oct. 2005, which calls for one house to be built at the site each year for the next four years. The College is the first private college to donate land in Habitat's history. The project is the brainchild of James Patchett '02, who approached Tom Gerety, the College's president at the time, with the project.
De Zeeuw shared that the project is slightly behind schedule because of problems with the foundation. However, de Zeeuw stated that the overall building progress is currently going well.
The partner family expressed gratitude and enthusiasm for the future. "We're just so excited and really honored to have been chosen. It doesn't get better than this," said Perry. "This is more than I could have asked for."