The Peden Stadium parking lot will become the foundation for a city with houses made of cardboard Saturday.
Cardboard City 2005, a 24-hour project sponsored by the Athens County Habitat for Humanity and Athens Rotaract Club, will raise both money and awareness about the poor housing conditions that many Athens residents are living in, said Laura Shaw, president of Ohio University's Habitat for Humanity chapter.
Those interested will build houses using cardboard boxes donated by various companies beginning at 7 p.m. and spend the night in it until 7 the following morning, Shaw said.
Athens County is one of the poorest counties in Ohio
Shaw said.
The most recent federal census data from 2000 reported Athens County's poverty rate at 28 percent, a number that has probably gone up since the last census because of the number of manufacturing jobs lost in the county.
Anyone interested from the Athens area is invited to participate, and individuals are encouraged to raise $200 to benefit Habitat for Humanity.
During the event, designers of the best-looking cardboard house will receive a trophy, Shaw said. The team or person who raises the most money will also be awarded a trophy.
Live music and refreshments will be provided, said Ann Charles Watts, Athens County Habitat for Humanity executive director.
Testimonials of those who have benefited from Habitat for Humanity's charity will be presented, as well as a film explaining the history of the organization, which began in Americus, Ga., in 1976.
About 100 people participated in last year's event, and Watts said she expects at least 150 this weekend.
Student participation should be strong because Cardboard City is held on OU's campus, co-chair of the Cardboard City Committee Jim Hintz said.
Watts anticipates a good turnout considering the recent events with Hurricane Katrina, she said.
Like the many people who lost their homes in the flooding, residents of Athens are living in such poor housing conditions that they might as well be homeless, she said.
(Cardboard City 2004) came after the flooding from Hurricane Ivan Watts said. I imagine a lot of people who did it last year are returning.
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Erin McCarty
