Habitat SLO Playhouse Program unites Cal Poly students, Rotary, and volunteers
Playhouses delivered to families and Paso Robles Boys & Girls Club
– Habitat for Humanity San Luis Obispo County recently delivered six custom playhouses through its Playhouse Program, providing children with safe, imaginative spaces while involving volunteers, sponsors, and community partners.
Five playhouses were given to families in Arroyo Grande, Santa Maria, Paso Robles, San Luis Obispo, and Atascadero. One was delivered to the Paso Robles Boys & Girls Club, where children began playing inside shortly after it was assembled. The delivery in San Luis Obispo included the program’s first indoor installation.
The Cal Poly Girls Build Summer Camp sponsored and decorated four of the playhouses, tailoring each to the needs of the children receiving them. The Rotary Club of Atascadero sponsored and decorated two others. Students, interns, and community leaders collaborated to construct and assemble the playhouses.
The assembly team included Habitat for Humanity San Luis Obispo County Program Manager Colleen Stefanek; Cal Poly Girls Build organizer and construction management professor Stacy Kolegraff; and Bank of America Student Leader interns Nathan Robasciotti and Gustavo Ocampo.
“Seeing the joy and gratitude on each child’s face as we set up their new playhouse was truly unforgettable,” said Robasciotti. “Giving them something they can call their own, a space to play and just be a kid, makes a huge impact.”
“From the moment of delivery to the final stages of building, creating these playhouses was an incredible and heartwarming experience,” Ocampo said. “One of the most rewarding parts was seeing the children’s faces light up once their playhouses were complete.”
Stefanek highlighted the importance of education and leadership. “Partnering with the Cal Poly Girls Build Summer Camp for the second year was so much fun. I love seeing these young women work together while learning new skills, to create a beautiful, meaningful space for children in our community,” she said.
At the Boys & Girls Club in Paso Robles, the new playhouse quickly became popular. “Our kiddos are having a blast playing in the playhouse, and we are so appreciative of all the people who helped make this possible,” said Flamson Club Director Alora McNulty.
Seven-year-old Xander, one of the children at the club, added: “Wow! This is so cool. Thank you.”
Habitat for Humanity San Luis Obispo County’s Playhouse Program allows volunteers and sponsors to build small play structures while raising funds for the organization’s broader mission of building homes, communities, and hope.
For more information, visit habitatslo.org.
