How Can You Support Women Build?
by: Kevin Pelkey
Women Build, a long-time program within the Habitat For Humanity network is in full swing this year at Lakes Area Habitat For Humanity!
What is Women Build? Of course, over the history of the Habitat program, women have been involved in Habitat all across the program spectrum: Board members, Executive Directors, committee members, salvage team members, and builders. The purpose of Women Build is to be intentional about including women in the Habitat program, particularly at the build sites.
There have been several Women Build initiatives here at LAHFH. The first being a build south of Brainerd-the largest of our homes! Site leader Angie did a marvelous job of guiding volunteers in the completion of the home.
Several builds had Women Build days where the majority of builders on a given day were women, including a day in 2013 at another 6-bedroom home in Baxter. That day, women were on the roof shingling while others were on the ground preparing for window installs.
Once again in 2015, the Women Build team took on the challenge of building a home from start to finish. A beautiful home in NE Brainerd was the result of the team’s work. At the end of that project, the women who planned the build, raised funds for the build, recruited others for the build and then actually built, gathered to reflect on the success of the project.
The most impactful statements I’ve ever experienced came in that wrap-up meeting. The simple question was asked “Why Women Build.” The answers were incredible.
One said it was empowering. Another said it was the most important service work she’d ever done. Another shared how touched she was knowing a family had a decent place to call home. And others shared a spirit of togetherness. None said it was about a building skill learned.
With that spirit in mind, a talented and dedicated group of women are planning a Women Build project in Baxter this summer. There are several upcoming activities supporting their work and the build:
- Scentsy Fundraiser: March 1-15
- Tree Seedling Sale: Mid-to-late April
- Fashion With a Purpose: May 5
- Pints For A Purpose: May 15
Now is a great time to get involved and find out how you can impact a family in Baxter. Join the team and learn just how much you get from this by giving to this project. The team has a Facebook group that is open for anyone to join. Once accepted, you’ll be able to keep up with all of their activities and opportunities to help. Click here to join!
