Habitat for Humanity of Chester County has announced the 20th annual Build a House Build a Dream Contest. It will be held on Saturday, March 11, 2023, at the Church Farm School in Exton. 

In this competition, students work individually or in teams to build their own three-dimensional, model dream home which they then bring on the day of the contest for judging by professional architects, engineers, and builders. Over the years, houses have been fashioned from recycled materials, tree trunks, pencils, and pasta. Students are only limited by their creativity!  

All participants receive recognition for their efforts and the top winners earn prizes. The goal of the event is to raise awareness of the need for affordable housing and funds for local Habitat homebuilding programs for low-income families in the Delaware Valley. 

The purpose of the Build a House Build a Dream contest is to introduce the students to what Habitat for Humanity does as an organization. While they cannot help at the construction site yet, they learn about the importance of affordable housing at an early age and what they can do in the future to help their neighbors in need. 

Since 2002, more than 3,500 fifth-grade students, representing some 750 schools throughout the region, have raised awareness of Delaware Valley Habitat for Humanity’s work and mission by participating in the annual contest. Participating students build three-dimensional model “dream homes” that reflect their far-ranging interests and the issues that concern them.  

In previous years, students designed houses that could withstand tsunamis, hurricanes, and other destructive forces, protect endangered species, spaceship houses, tree houses, candy houses, and houses made from recycled materials, including boots, shoes, a bongo drum, and a guitar. 

This event would not be possible without Fox & Roach/Trident Charities. Founded as a 501c3 Public Charity in 1996, Fox & Roach/Trident Charities is the charitable arm of Prudential Fox & Roach Realtors, the No. 1 realtor in the region and the No. 1 single-market realtor in the nation. The Charities’ mission statement is to provide housing support and other aid to children and families experiencing stressful life circumstances.  

With many amazing sponsors this year, there’s still time to sponsor the event and sign up to be a volunteer or contest judge. In addition, Habitat is looking for vendors to run activities for kids during the event. This is a great opportunity to promote summer camps or just introduce businesses or schools to families across the Delaware Valley. 

Registration, rules, FAQs, helpful links, and more are available at Habitat for Humanity.