Habitat for Humanity of Chester County and Fox & Roach/Trident Charities will host the 19th Annual Build a House Build a Dream Contest on March 19.

Fifth-graders from across the region are invited to design and build 3D model dream homes to be submitted in a friendly contest with their peers. It’s a kid-focused, creative outlet for the participants to dream big while learning the importance of safe, affordable housing.

After the contest was held virtually the past two years for the safety of the students and volunteers, this year’s event will be held in person at the Exton Square Mall.

“We chose the former Sears building because of how much room there is to spread out and give everyone ample space for social distancing,” said Becki Patterson, Habitat’s Marketing and Communications Manager. “We will continue to monitor numbers across the county, and in an effort to protect all participants, require masks at the event, and we’ll be supplying hand-sanitizing stations throughout the area.”

Participants are asked to arrive between 8:30 AM and 9 AM to check in and prepare their homes to be judged by architects, designers, and other Habitat volunteers. Students will need to be standing with their dream homes at 9:15 AM for a panel of judges to speak with them about their inspiration and process.

Final contestants will be narrowed down through three rounds of judging. All participants receive recognition for their efforts, and the winners earn prizes. The raffle winners will be announced around noon, and there will be fun activities provided by local youth and family organizations like Boy Scouts of America and more. Any similar organizations that would be interested in having an activity at the event are invited. Please complete an interest form.

The goal of the Build a House Build a Dream Contest is to introduce the students to what Habitat for Humanity does as an organization. Although they aren’t able to help at the constructions site yet, they can learn about the importance of affordable housing at a young age and what they can do in the future to help their neighbors in need.

Since 2002, more than 6,000 fifth-grade students representing some 750 schools throughout the area have participated, and the contest has raised approximately $500,000 through sponsorship to help support Habitat’s regional homebuilding initiatives. The contest itself is free to participants with all funds raised by generous local sponsors.

Learn more about participating in the contest, as well as sponsorship and volunteer opportunities.

Here is a video of last year’s contest: