SU Community Continues to Help Others Through Chesapeake Housing Mission

SALISBURY, MD---Most people take the ability to leave their homes whenever they want for granted. Chesapeake Housing Mission (CHM) helps those who cannot.

Since 2009, the non-profit organization has built ADA-compliant ramps for more than 350 low-income residents of the Lower Eastern Shore with the help of thousands of volunteers, including those from Salisbury University.

So far this year, 10 SU groups have participated in the ramp-building projects.

The men’s rugby team, Student Affairs leadership team, Bikes Beach and Beyond New Student Experience, SU Cycling Club 212, SU Volunteer Center and Student United Way have each built a ramp. In addition, the Residence Life staff, SU football team and Catholic Campus Ministry have constructed two ramps each.

The SU ramps represent 12 out of 60 built by CHM in 2018. Over 260 SU community members have volunteered.

“This really shows how much our university cares for and is present throughout the Eastern Shore,” said Dave Gutoskey, Director of Housing and Residence Life, who serves on CHM’s board of directors.

The men’s rugby and football teams recently were featured in the mission’s mid-year newsletter, CHM BuildBuzz. The rugby team’s project was based in Salisbury, while the football team’s featured build allowed a man in Crisfield to return to his father’s home after injuries suffered from a vehicular accident.

“It was a privilege to be able to do this,” said rugby team member Jared Johanson.

“Civic engagement has long been a pillar of an SU education,” said Gutoskey. “Through projects like these, students learn that helping others can provide intangible rewards.”

For more information call 410-543-6030 or visit the SU website.