Ohio University residence halls Atkinson, Smith and Armbruster are being demolished this summer as part of the Housing Capital Improvement Plan. Demolition work will conclude in August. The project will add more green space to the Athens Campus.
The University donated furniture items that can’t be used on campus to a variety of local organizations, including Habitat for Humanity ReStore and several OHIO Athletics teams volunteered to load the donated furniture for Habitat for Humanity of Southeast Ohio ReStore.
Ohio University administrators realized that diverting "waste" from landfills is an important way to limit the impact it has on the environment, because each year, millions of useable furniture, clothing and food items are thrown into landfills. Ohio University, in partnership with several non-profits, is working tirelessly to reduce waste and increase recycling efforts.
"We are glad to have the opportunity to donate furniture to non-profits that can make use of these resources," said Pete Trentacoste, executive director of Housing and Residence Life. "Armbruster, Atkinson and Smith houses have been a part of the Ohio University landscape since 1969. Their demolition will save millions in deferred maintenance costs."
Members of the OHIO Football, Field Hockey and Swimming and Diving teams pitched in to help Habitat for Humanity ReStore move furniture from the residence hall rooms to the moving trucks.
“Before I volunteered, I assumed it was just helping move furniture, but when I knew the meaning behind Habitat for Humanity’s cause, it gave me more understanding of the work they put in to help make a better life for those in our community,” said Jamal Hudson, junior cornerback on the OHIO Football Team.
Sophia Boothby, senior goalkeeper on the OHIO Field Hockey Team, also expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to give back to the community.
“It was a privilege to be able to volunteer with an organization such as Habitat for Humanity, which does so much for the community of Athens,” Boothby said. “This community supports student-athletes every year, so we want to do everything we can to return that support. It was also a wonderful opportunity to get closer with other sports and other members of the community.”
OHIO Football cornerbacks helped with the furniture donation. (L-R): Justin Birchette, Habitat for Humanity volunteer Molly Blair, John Gregory, Habitat for Humanity volunteer Sam Hanson, Xavior Motley, Ilyaas Motley, Marlin Brooks-(standing on box), Kel Davis, Tariq Drake (standing on box) and Jamal Hudson.
OHIO athletes who helped with the project: Top row (L-R): Nick Young (ReStore staff), Bill Morgan (ReStore staff), Cannon Blauser (football), Eric Popp (football), Sam Glass (swimming and diving), Sophia Boothby (field hockey), Leah Warren (field hockey), Kendra Sheehan (swimming and diving), Kat Redden (swimming and diving), Nathan Rourke (football) and Kurtis Rourke (football). Front row (L-R): Dylan Conner (football), Sam Glass, (swimming & diving), Claire Buckey (field hockey), Maeve Gordon (field hockey), Abby Jordan (swimming & diving), Desirae Villanueva (softball) and Jake Neatherton (football).
Football cornerbacks pose in front of ReStore moving truck. (L-R): Kel Davis, Marlin Brooks, Xavior Motley, Ilyaas Motley (kneeling) and Tariq Drake.