See more photos of Lamda Phi Epsilon building a roof on a house.

Joseph Johnson and his 6-year-old son will soon be living in a house built by the OU Greek community and Habitat for Humanity.

The Greek community joined Habitat for Humanity for their first “Raise the Roof” ceremony Saturday. Students helped construct the Johnsons’ new roof and celebrated the efforts they had made toward the house.

In May, Johnson and his family will move into the house.

Johnson and his son JoJo were chosen to receive the home because of the financial difficulties facing them.

JoJo was born with Down syndrome and was diagnosed with leukemia in June 2006. He is currently in remission and will end treatments in September.

Due to the medical expenses and hospital trips, Johnson lost everything and had to move them into temporary housing.

Johnson said the temporary housing agency, Community Action, suggested he apply for a house built through Habitat for Humanity.

Johnson said he was excited when he found out he had been chosen from 100 potential applicants.

“I really didn’t think I would be chosen whenever I signed up, especially with the way my luck had been going lately,” he said.

Ground was broken for the Johnsons’ home during winter break and its construction began Feb. 6. The home is expected to be complete in May.

“As I see [the house] get further along, the more I can’t believe it,” Johnson said. “As a father, it’s great because I can watch my son have fun in our backyard and not have to be cooped up in an apartment.”

The house was tweaked by a design and interior decorating team from the OU College of Architecture, said Josh Carson, construction manager for Habitat for Humanity and construction science junior.

Carson said he has gotten the chance to know Johnson and said he has done what he can for those helping him.

“I’m learning more and more about [Johnson] every day, he’s a great guy, always out here willing to work,” Carson said. “It’s so ool to get to work hand in hand with the people who will be living here.”

“Raise the Roof” is the first philanthropic event the entire Greek community has been a part of, said Caitlin Williston, Panhellenic Association student representative and advertising sophomore.

She said the community is excited to do something that allows them to work together and build relationships.

Bill McManus, chairman of construction committee for Habitat for Humanity, said the most difficult part of the project was raising the money needed for the house. The Greek community and the OU Habitat for Humanity chapter tackled the problem by raising money through a series of fundraisers and donations by fraternity and sorority members, said McManus, construction management professor.

Since fall 2007, the Greek community and the OU Habitat for Humanity chapter have raised $39,250 of the $47,000 needed for the project, and are still looking for sponsors to help reach their goal, said Jema Castleberry, executive director of the Cleveland County Habitat for Humanity chapter.