Building a dream

For now, they are simple lines etched on a set of blueprints. But in a short time, these lines will grow into the mortar and wood of a house at 724 N. Lindbergh Dr., just one of dozens built by Habitat for Humanity in Indiana this year.\nFor the family that will move into the house, the blueprints represent the culmination of a dream. And that dream has largely been made possible by the fundraising efforts of the Interfraternity Council and the Panhellenic Association.\nThe IFC and PHA have raised around $9,000. IU Habitat for Humanity board member junior Tisha Wilson said it costs $45,000 to build a Habitat house in Monroe County.\nFundraising efforts began this fall for IFC chapters. Each chapter president agreed to donate a specific amount of money from chapter funds. The amount of money raised from each chapter varied.\n"People gave what they could when they could," said Casey Holsapple, IFC vice president of community relations.\nPHA chapters have been raising money since being approached last spring. Some chapters have donated money to the cause and others have chosen to donate their time to help build the house, Abby Massey, PHA vice president of community relations, said.\nThe current project is the first house that will be built by the IU Habitat for Humanity chapter in three years. Wilson cites the cost of getting a house built as the primary reason for the wait.\n"We've just been trying to organize and get our chapter stronger to build a house," Wilson said.\nFraternity and sorority members will volunteer alongside students from Bloomington North High School throughout the building process.\nConstruction begins March 23.\n"This goes beyond dollars," Holsapple said, explaining the value of Habitat. "It provides a tangible service for the community."\nWhile Massey has enjoyed helping with the project thus far, she believes the best is yet to come.\n"When I get a chance to get in there (and build) and know it's for someone else and making their life a little better -- that's why some of the women are so excited about being able to build the house," she said.