(WARRENSBURG, Mo.) – Habitat for Humanity will celebrate the completion of the house built collaboratively with the University of Central Missouri and Warrensburg R-VI School District at 3:30 p.m. May 2 at 628 W. Gay St.

Known as the Building Community Through Education initiative, the build created a unique opportunity in which students and the community could come together and work to help a local family and philanthropy.

The May 2 celebration will include remarks from UCM President Charles Ambrose, Warrensburg Superintendent of Schools Scott Patrick and Habitat board members. Habitat will thank the community and schools who made the build possible, and attendees will have a chance to enjoy refreshments, meet the partner family and tour the home they helped build.

“The build provided UCM a variety of ways to engage the campus community in service while collaborating with the school district to have a visible impact right here in Warrensburg,” said Shari Garber Bax, UCM vice provost of student experience and engagement. “Students from UCM and Warrensburg school district raised a significant portion of the funds used to build the home, and volunteered numerous hours. For many, these experiences provided real-world application of classroom concepts, enriching their education and community spirit.”

In addition to the support from the schools, volunteers from Whiteman Air Force Base, local businesses and community members contributed to the funding and construction of the home and will be a part of the appreciation celebration. Attendees are invited to bring household items for the family to help stock the shelves of the new home with non-perishable items and cleaning supplies.

“This build would not have been possible without the generosity and support of all our partners,” said Brian Niemuth, Habitat for Humanity of Johnson County construction committee chair. “It’s especially exciting for the students who gave back to see the results of their work, meet our partner family, celebrate and most importantly, say thank you.”

After the May 2 appreciation celebration, the family will take possession of the home at the end of May, with the dedication and key ceremony tentatively set for 2:30 p.m. June 1.

Habitat for Humanity of Johnson County, an affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International, builds simple, quality, affordable housing in partnership with people in need in Johnson County. The organization has built eight homes in Johnson County with the most recent home at 628 W Gay St. in Warrensburg, Mo.

To learn more about Habitat for Humanity of Johnson County, call 660-429-2763 or visit facebook.com/HabitatJoCo.