Troy Pike Habitat for Humanity is thinking outside of the box for its next fundraising campaign.

Melissa Mikul, acting president for Habitat’s Board of Directors, said the organization would be hosting a Square Foot Fundraising Campaign in order to build a house for a family of five. The project puts in perspective how much money and effort go into building a house even though the organization often works with donated supplies and grant funding.

“I think it was because we were thinking in terms of blueprints,” Mikul said. “We aren’t the first organization to think of this, but it’s just a visual aid for people to know where their money is going. And, you can see how much money goes into building a house.”

Habitat hopes to be able to build the family a modest four-bedroom house within the Troy City School system during the summer of 2015, and Mikul said even if a person could not donate enough money for a square foot, any amount of donations would be welcome.

“We would love for individuals to purchase these square feet or different groups that can sponsor a bathroom or a bedroom,” Mikul said. “And even if they can’t give, they can give a half of square foot or go with your friends. We did this so we can see how much of a house can we build, and we’re looking forward to building this house the summer of 2015.”

Donations are being taken now for the fundraiser, and Mikul said anyone wishing to purchase a square foot could go to Habitat’s website or Facebook page to find the link to donate.

Mikul said Habitat has also partnered with a fraternity on Troy’s campus to host a Troy Trojan Turkey Trot 5K Saturday with all of the proceeds going back to Habitat.

“We’re their philanthropic charity this year, so they’ll do this for us in the fall and hopefully something again next semester,” Mikul said. “The money will also go to the house. Hopefully this fundraiser will be able to fund at least a closet or a bedroom.”

Although the deadline for to sign up for the race and secure a t-shirt has passed, Mikul said she was sure runners could still sign up the day of the event. The 5K will begin at 7:30 a.m. on Saturday at the Elm Street Gym, across from Sorority Hill.

Because Habitat is a faith-based organization, Habitat is also asking local churches to participate in “Building on Faith” Saturday, as well. The event is not being held in any particular place, but Mikul said she hoped churches within the community would participate in the event by lifting up Habitat in prayer Saturday.

“We are a faith based organization, and of course, if their congregation is willing and able, we would love for them to take up a special offering as well,” Mikul said. “Churches help us through lots of fundraising and volunteerism through the year. We’re just using this event as a way to have all of the churches at once participate, and help us to move forward through this campaign that we’re going towards.”