As students return to Chapel Hill and Durham, our construction sites and ReStores are buzzing with new energy. Every fall, Habitat for Humanity of Orange County partners with local universities to welcome students back through meaningful service.

Earlier this month, we hosted the UNC football team at Weavers Grove for their annual day of building. Players traded helmets for hard hats as they joined Habitat staff and volunteers to build alongside future homeowners.

Just last week, 70 first-year students from Duke University spent a day giving back—landscaping at Weavers Grove and lending a hand at the ReStore. For many of these students, it was their very first volunteer experience in their new community.

These traditions mark the start of a new academic year and remind us of the power of young people coming together in service. We’re grateful to our student volunteers for rolling up their sleeves, building community, and supporting affordable housing in Orange County. We can’t wait for all the students who will volunteer with us throughout the upcoming academic year!