Rochester students build shelter for city’s homeless community

In the city of Rochester, New York, a student-led project has proven worthy to help fight homelessness in the local community.

Considering the latest hike in rent all over America, Harley School students have come to save the day in their community.

Having enough affordable housing is something cities across America struggle with. That can include housing for the homeless.

A senior at Harley School, Haley Corteville who loves working with her hands said: “I’ve always liked making things since I was little and I like that this area gives me an opportunity to put things together, design things and go through the whole creative process.”

A lot of hard work is finally going to pay off. The city of Rochester has helped to pick up a tiny shelter she and classmates at Harley School built last year.

“I’m really excited,” Corteville said. “We’ve been watching it progress slowly, and it’s just really exciting that it’s finally going to be put to use and help someone.”

The shelter was built as part of a project on homelessness and the issues that contribute to the problem.

“I’m immensely proud of my students,” said Kima Enerson, a Makerspace educator. “They showed dedication and leadership skills that I knew they had, but this was just such an excellent way to show it off.”

Corteville says her class just wanted to give back.

“I think that it’s easy to forget if it doesn’t relate to you specifically,” she said. “So it’s always a good reminder that these are things people struggle with, and whatever we can do to help is a good thing.”

The shelter was taken to the homeless community at Peace Village in Rochester where it will be put to use. It’s not only insulated but has a fire extinguisher, smoke detector and carbon monoxide alarm.