Can women build? Watch us!
The month of May is known for more than the big race in Indianapolis. It also kicks off the build phase at the local Habitat for Humanity chapter’s WOMEN BUILD project.
For the 12th year running, local women will pick up hammers and saws and paintbrushes to help families achieve home ownership. Four families — all led by single mothers — have earned a new home through the WOMEN BUILD program this year. They have attended classes at Habitat University. They have saved for a manageable down payment. And they will spend 200 hours working on the construction of their homes.
Some families strike out the first time they apply, often for having too much debt to qualify. But if they persevere and turn things around, they can get back in the program.
Helping them on their way are the female volunteers — 800 this year — who team up, fundraise, and work shifts to complete the construction and finishes of the home. They raise the funding for all the necessary materials, aside from what is provided by large corporate and private gifts.
The level of volunteer commitment was not a surprise. Habitat recognized a desire of women supporters who didn’t just want to write a check but wanted to come together to have an impact and give from their head, heart and hands.
“The Women Build program recruits, educates, and encourages women to build and advocate for decent and affordable houses in their communities,” Indy Habitat’s website says. This year, the program is funding the build of a record four homes that are scheduled to be completed by July and dedicated by summer’s end. The soon-to-be homeowners include:
- Latisha, a postal worker with two daughters, currently living in a 700-square-foot apartment
- Deontasja, a licensed practical nurse at a nursing home with two daughters
- Corvetta, a social worker with a daughter and a son who has cerebral palsy (he will soon have an accessible home)
- Arielle, a security supervisor at a bank, with a seven-year-old daughter
At a kickoff event earlier this year, the new homeowners discussed the training and preparation they’ve received to be ready for their next chapter. Said one, “I’ve learned what to do in a fire, how to fix a running toilet, and to cut the grass as well as budgeting and saving.”
Another added, “As someone on a single income, I see this as something to pass along to my kids and to help me achieve affordability. I was raised by grandparents so I’m all about it takes a village. To everyone who’s a part of this I want to say thanks to you a lot.”
“I will be the first homeowner in my family,” said Arielle. “I can’t wait to sit on my porch and let my daughter ride her bike up and down the street and be a kid. That’s what I’m looking forward to.”
For more information, click here to join WOMEN BUILD and here to make a donation toward materials and supplies.
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