Letter to the Editor: Blitz Builds beneficial to community

In response to Joost Bosland's column Tuesday, we would like to point out that a large part of the Build was funded by sources outside the Duke community, including the monies required for the transportation cost. The fact of the matter remains that without this project, chances are that these funds would not have been invested in either Habitat for Humanity or Durham. Bosland suggests that the money perhaps could have been put to a different use. However, without the Blitz Build's vision and fundraising, instead of using $8,000 in a manner Bosland deems inefficient, we would be losing $44,000 invested in the Durham community.

More glaring still, Bosland expresses his contempt for the project based upon the fact that we are too afraid to work in Durham. Yet even a passing glance at the project summary would have revealed that 60 percent of the construction is taking place off-campus. The transportation aspect of the project was intentional in order to improve Habitat's visibility within the Duke and Durham communities. We were overwhelmingly successful in this effort, with over 300 students volunteering, the majority of whom have expressed excitement for the on-site continuation of the Build. By hosting the house construction on-campus, Duke has ensured that students, particularly the freshmen, will remain dedicated not only to this specific project but also to other service activities in Durham long after the Blitz Build is over.

When all is done, over 600 Duke and Durham volunteers will have created a tangible home, as well as a symbolic link between the Duke and Durham communities.

Bosland, here is our suggestion for you: If you find the support of the Duke administration in our project so nauseating, come out and work with us for a day. Put down the pen, pick up a hammer, and we think you'll quickly understand the value of this project.

The authors are co-directors of Blitz Build