News article highlights budding CWU partnership with Habitat for Humanity

A growing community partnership between Central Washington University and Kittitas County Habitat For Humanity was highlighted in a recent article in the Ellensburg Daily Record.

Beginning in May 2023, groups of CWU students, staff, and administrators have volunteered their time at the Stuart Meadows housing complex, located about two miles north of campus. During that time, Habitat has welcomed 33 volunteers from CWU who have contributed a total of 200 hours.

Volunteers from the CWU community have included entire departments — including University Relations in September 2023 — along with the Executive Leadership Team last summer, and the MEChA student group in late January.

“CWU is emphasizing the importance of a campus culture of connection with our community,” Dania Cochran, executive liaison for the president’s office, said in the Daily Record article, which was published February 3. “We all work, live and play in Kittitas County, which means we are also community members.”

The affordable housing project, which will feature 18 new homes, broke ground in September 2022. The first six homes will be completed this spring, and a dedication ceremony is planned for April.

The partnership between Central and Habitat came together with the help of CWU’s Director of Capital Planning and Projects Delano Palmer, who also serves as a board member for Habitat for Humanity Seattle-King and Kittitas Counties.

Kittitas County Habitat for Humanity Area Director Stephanie Bohman said the groundwork was laid by Palmer and former Area Director Kelle Vandenberg.

“The impact of our alliance with CWU is immense and multifaceted,” Bohman said. “As a significant employer in Ellensburg and an educational institution, CWU brings a wealth of community-driven students eager to contribute.”