Harvard Habitat for Humanity harnessed the power of Ben & Jerry's ice cream yesterday afternoon, attracting hundreds of hungry passers-by with free scoops, while spreading the word on affordable, low-income housing.

From 1 to 4 p.m., representatives from Ben & Jerry's scooped and distributed three flavors of ice cream: "Half Baked," "Nutty Waffle Cone" and "Everything But The . . ." in the parking lot of the Fox final club.

The wacky flavors reflected a generally buoyant atmosphere.

"This is fantastic," said Daniel D. Sedgwick '03. "Someone just handed me a flyer about the free ice cream, and I came right over."

In addition to the ice-cream giveaway, the day's events included a free raffle with shirts and mugs for prizes and a Pint-athlon Ice Cream Eating Contest.

After signing a liability waiver, Pint-athlon participants downed a pint of ice cream as fast as they could. The winner received--what else?--a free pint of ice cream.

H. Wells Wulsin '01, co-director of Harvard's Habitat program, considered the day a total success.

"We wanted to raise awareness about Habitat and about affordable housing in Boston. And, of course, we're always happy to get this many eager people involved," he said.