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Then this Spring, Samantha Mack, during her last semester as a WCU interior design student with a minor in construction management, worked on expansion and renovation ideas, and delivered a final presentation to REACH with design concepts and possibilities.

鈥淚 wanted to give them a product that reflects what鈥檚 actually possible with their space as well as with the expansion,鈥� said Mack. 鈥淚t鈥檚 been fulfilling to be able to work with people to help them make their space better and more functional to their needs.鈥�

REACH is a nonprofit organization that offers trauma-informed services, including a 24/7 crisis line, legal advocacy, counseling, prevention education, and Laura鈥檚 House, an emergency shelter. For REACH, the shelter expansion is not just a building project鈥攊t鈥檚 a lifeline, said Sara Vogel, executive director of REACH of Haywood County.

鈥淚n recent years, we鈥檝e seen a rise in both the severity and complexity of domestic violence cases,鈥� said Vogel. 鈥淢ore survivors are coming to us with higher levels of trauma and with fewer options for safe, affordable housing. The cost of rent has skyrocketed in our area, and that makes it even harder for victims who want to leave abusive partners to find a place to go. Our shelter is often full, and the need continues to grow.鈥�

Vogel noted that housing insecurity is one of the leading reasons survivors remain in dangerous situations. 鈥淓xpanding our shelter means we can help more families find stability, safety, and the time they need to rebuild their lives.鈥�

To offer community support, student volunteers used drones to create a 3D external model of the shelter and its property. Others used a 360-degree camera to scan the shelter鈥檚 interior, creating 3D interactive models to guide renovation plans, such as which walls could be relocated or how a kitchen could be expanded. Their work will help REACH staff and supporters plan the expansion, engage stakeholders, and aid the project architect.

鈥淭he goal is for the architect to be able to upload the model into their system, use what makes sense, and discard what鈥檚 not needed 鈥� hopefully saving time and reducing costs,鈥� said Chris Cox, a construction management faculty member within the WCU College of Engineering and Technology.

What sparked the involvement of WCU students was a conversation at a WCU Community Engagement and Service Learning panel discussion event several months ago. A leader from REACH shared some of their needs with Cox, and Cox saw an opportunity for students to learn and apply their technological and presentation skills through service.

鈥淲e want to help our students develop interpersonal skills, presentation skills, and technology skills that prepare them for successful careers,鈥� said Cox. 鈥淎nd with real-world service projects, meeting deadlines isn鈥檛 just important for getting a good grade; it鈥檚 important because people are depending on you. I tell students that they will eventually reach a point in their lives where a paycheck won鈥檛 be enough. You need purpose, and projects that help people in your community give you purpose.鈥�

Jaden Bird, a WCU alumnus who assisted with the project during his time as a student, said experience with projects including the REACH project deepened his personal connection to the region and his understanding of how construction can serve a greater purpose.

鈥淲e get to be a part of the design and pre-construction process to improve this shelter that will help our community stay safe and provide housing to people who are in need,鈥� he said. 鈥淚鈥檝e enjoyed being able to make a positive impact. I believe it is essential to give back and use my skills to build a better future for generations to come.鈥�

Vogel said the partnership with 甜瓜视频app represents more than technical collaboration鈥攊t鈥檚 about shaping a generation of future builders who understand the human impact of their work.

鈥淭here鈥檚 tremendous value in having students see how their skills in engineering, design, and construction directly affect people鈥檚 safety and well-being,鈥� Vogel said. 鈥淭hey鈥檙e not just designing a structure; they鈥檙e helping rebuild lives. The work they do here teaches them that their talents can strengthen communities and protect the most vulnerable among us.鈥�

She added that REACH is deeply committed to working with local colleges and universities to foster a more compassionate and socially aware workforce.

鈥淲hen we invest in partnerships like this, we鈥檙e not only improving facilities for survivors,鈥� Vogel said. 鈥淲e鈥檙e helping to develop future leaders who understand that their work鈥攚hatever field they enter鈥攈as the power to heal, protect, and make lasting change.鈥�

To learn more about REACH, visit. To learn more about WCU鈥檚 Construction Management Program, visit .