(Published Jan. 16, 2008) – These days Garth Lovvorn and the rest of the crew at Athens/Limestone County Habitat for Humanity have much to sing a happy tune about. As a matter of fact, Lovvorn can probably be heard at the new construction site singing the words, “We built this house on rock and roll,” to the tune of “We Built This City” by the 1980s band Starship, much to the amusement of visiting Western Kentucky University college students.

Yes, Lovvorn, the executive director of the local Habitat for Humanity, is happy about the latest home being built in Athens and the extra help Habitat workers have gotten in the past few weeks.

The Strength of the Hammer benefit concert, held in Athens in early January, raised more than $4,000 for the home, Lovvorn said.

“This house was paid for by rock and roll,” he laughed. “Well, maybe a room or so.”

A full house costs anywhere from $50,000 to $60,000, he said.

This week, Habitat for Humanity International sent students from Western Kentucky University in Bowling Green to help with the new Habitat home being built at 114 Somerest Drive in Athens.

The students used their winter breaks to participate in the Habitat for Humanity International Collegiate Challenge. The Collegiate Challenge is a year-round program that offers opportunities to students from youth groups, high schools and colleges to spend a week of their school break building a house in partnership with a Habitat for Humanity affiliate in the United States.

“It just gives you an opportunity to get away and help the community,” said Western Kentucky student Leslie Jordan. “It’s a cheap opportunity to go out and meet new people.”

Jordan, who is on her third Collegiate Challenge trip, is the trip leader. She is majoring in construction management and is a sophomore at WKU.

The WKU Chapter of Habitat for Humanity sent three groups of nine to destinations in Alabama, Georgia, and Tennessee this week.

The group visiting Athens will stay through Friday. The group includes students, Jordan, Justin Richardson, Layla Rowe, Sarah Thompson, Jamie Grund, Samantha Rainey, Cameron Yates, Jarrod Elmore and advisor, John Pace.

The group’s goal is to complete the walls for the home. The home’s foundation was completed last week by local volunteers. After the walls are completed local volunteers will start on the trusses for the home.

“We’re here to get as much done as we can,” Pace said.

Pace has volunteered for Habitat for Humanity for two years. He is the manufacturing support specialist in the architectural and manufacturing sciences department at WKU.

“It’s a great chance to give back to the community and to help the students out to get the experience,” he said.

Several community members give to the students as they give to the community. Individuals and groups supporting the students with food, shelter and other amenities include Daisy McCormack, Gary VanWagnen, Roy and Robin Shaw, Wesley Fellowship at Athens State University, Cinemagic Movie Theater, Scott Henry and family, St. Paul Catholic Church, Garth and Linda Lovvorn, New Life Assembly and Delois Fletcher.

The Habitat home still has a lot to be completed and funds are needed. A home usually takes about three months to complete.

“The house is not fully funded yet and we encourage people to donate to us,” Lovvorn said. “No matter how big or how little we could use donations.”

For information about volunteering for or donating to Athens Limestone County Habitat for Humanity call Lovvorn at (256) 230-6001 or e-mail habitatforhuman@bellsouth.net.