More than a dozen Chico State student-athletes and athletics staff members helped build a house in Paradise, California, through a partnership between Habitat for Humanity and the NCAA.
Habitat for Humanity incorporated noncombustible siding material, a fire-resistant roof cover and vents that are resistant to corrosion and fire in the new single-story home.
Plans for the build began in 2019 but were paused due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The effort focused on helping rebuild the Paradise community, which was ravaged by the most destructive wildfire in California history in November 2018.
The Chico State crew worked March 24 on a three-bedroom, two-bath, one-level home built to be more fire resistant than traditional homes. The 1,120-square-foot home includes noncombustible siding material, a fire-resistant roof cover and vents that are resistant to corrosion and fire.
"I'm here to give back and help out in whatever way I can," said Matthew Rodriguez, a men's track and field student-athlete. "I think it's important to help your neighbors. I wasn't here for the Camp Fire, but I saw how it impacted everyone, and I just want to do what I can."
Stemming from a $2.5 million commitment made in 2018, the partnership between the NCAA and Habitat for Humanity is built around long-term disaster response.
"It's really cool to actually meet the homeowner and realize we're helping her and changing her life, so that's pretty awesome," said Mia Mendoza, a student-athlete on the women's soccer team.
For a community destroyed by wildfire, rebuilds like this one are welcome.Â
"This is a great opportunity to give back to the community," said Brian Fogel, the women's basketball head coach. "I think it's really important for young people to be able to give back to the community."
Last year, Habitat for Humanity built seven homes in Paradise, and this year it is planning to build eight more.
