Habitat for Humanity host Shantytown

Habitat for Humanity is putting on their annual “Shantytown” event. Teams of up to five people are building makeshift shelters and sleeping in them overnight at Civitan Park in Idaho Falls.

Participants will be raising money by asking their friends and families to sponsor their “sleep-a-thon.” The public is invited to visit Shantytown from Friday to Saturday until 2 p.m.

Habitat for humanity say this is a fun way to learn about the need for affordable housing.

“Housing is fundamental,” said Karen Lansing, the executive director for Habitat of Humanity Idaho Falls area. “Habitat works in homeownership. We don’t do rental housing and homeownership is the single best way to pull a family out of poverty.”

Golden hammer awards will be given for the “people’s choice” and the “most creative” shanties. Habitat for Humanity encourages to come out and vote for your favorite!