Local Students Make History: Huntington High School Raises $80,000 to Build a Habitat Home

Local Students Make History: Huntington High School Raises $80,000

to Build a Habitat Home

First-Ever Student House Sponsor for Habitat for Humanity of Long Island

Saturday, April 18, 2026 at 9:00AM

Wyandanch, NY – A group of Long Island high school students is redefining what youth leadership looks like.

The Huntington High School Habitat Club has raised an extraordinary $80,000, becoming the first-ever student-led House Sponsor in the history of Habitat for Humanity of Long Island. Their achievement will be celebrated during a special wall-raising ceremony, on Saturday, April 18^th 2026 at 9:00AM, where students will help begin construction on the very home they made possible. The ceremony will take place at 1465 Straight Path in Wyandanch.

This milestone reflects more than fundraising - it represents commitment, consistency, and purpose-driven action.

“Their commitment, consistency, and passion have set a new standard for what student groups can accomplish,” said Diane Manders, CEO/Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity of Long Island. “When students have a passionate role model, they can accomplish great things.”

Led by advisor Robert Gilmor, the club’s efforts span years of fundraising, volunteering, and advocacy - culminating in a life-changing opportunity for a local family in Wyandanch.

Media are invited to capture this inspiring moment as students transition from raising funds to raising the walls of a future Habitat home - bringing their impact full circle.

EVENT DETAILS:

WHO:
Habitat for Humanity of Long Island staff and board members, Huntington High School students, volunteers and local officials

WHAT:
Wall Raising Ceremony for student-funded Habitat for Humanity home.

WHERE:
1465 Straight Path, Wyandanch, NY

WHEN:
Saturday, April 18, 2026, at 9:00 AM

VISUALS / PHOTO OPPORTUNITIES:

• Students participating in wall raising
• Group photos with students, volunteers, and Habitat Long Island staff
• Action shots of construction in progress
• Interviews with students, Habitat leadership, and community partners

WHY IT MATTERS

This historic achievement demonstrates the power of youth leadership and community collaboration in addressing Long Island’s affordable housing crisis. The funds raised will directly support the construction of a new affordable home, providing stability and opportunity for a local family. Habitat for Humanity of Long Island’s mission is to strengthen communities by providing quality, affordable homes and giving a “hand up” to lower income families on Long Island.

About Habitat for Humanity of Long Island:
Habitat for Humanity of Long Island, Inc. is an independently operated affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International. Since 1988, Habitat Long Island has empowered hundreds of families to achieve their homeownership dreams through its affordable home ownership program, building 6-8 houses annually. Recognized as a four-star charity by Charity Navigator, Habitat Long Island works in partnership with thousands ofLong Island volunteers and responsible, lower-income families of all races, religions and creeds, to build and renovate homes for those in need of affordable housing.

###