Let’s Celebrate the Women of Habitat!
by: Kevin Pelkey
Have you ever heard about our Women Build project?
If yes, you’ve probably experienced one of the most incredible programs of Habitat For Humanity. If not, let me explain.
Women Build (or at least LAHFH’s version of it) works to intentionally include women in the work of Habitat, specifically in the construction of new homes. The last WB team to pull a whole-house project in 2015 declared that the idea to focus on women wasn’t to exclude men but to give full attention to and priority to women filling volunteer roles in the build. That intentional approach leads to amazing things happening: new friends, new skills learned, and families served!
When we last completed a WB house, the team reflected on the experience. The simple question of “Why Women Build” followed by “What did it mean to you” were answered in unexpected and powerful ways. Comments ranged from, “It brought a sense of safety to me – that I could walk into a project I knew nothing about and be welcomed.”
Another commented that the entire experience was one of empowerment – that sense of “I can do this.” Others shared how important the project was as a way to give back in a tangible way to the community & to help lift up a family in need.
In all the comments, not one said it was about learning how to build or adding to a skill set of construction techniques.
It was all about fulfillment, joy, sharing and giving. A truly remarkable experience to be in the room with these profound statements.
Even in the very beginning of Habitat International, our work was shaped with women’s voices and talents. Linda and Millard Fuller founded this program with a mindset that ALL are welcome…in fact, that it takes ALL to join hands and unite in the cause of eliminating poverty housing from the earth (now that’s no small ambition!).
Our work has been and continues to be shaped by women in all facets of our work: Board leadership; committee assignments; salvage crews; ReStore (volunteer & paid); staff; construction crews. Our work celebrates the “everyone makes a difference and everyone matters” approach – it’s what makes us successful.
The Women Build team is actively working towards a build in 2024! The WB team has a couple of fun activities to promote the build & raise funds for the build: Style for a Purpose is set for Sunday, May 5th in the ReStore “hallway” – a runway will be set up as volunteers model clothing. Good food and drinks will be a part of the activities as well.
The second May event is Pints For A Purpose at Jack Pine Brewery on May 15th.
A building permit for the home of Dani & her children (this will be a 5 bedroom, 2 bath home) is ready to pick-up at the Baxter City Hall. The location is in the same neighborhood as the build we completed in 2023 with the Mancillas family. If you haven’t already, please join the WB Facebook group to keep up with all the news and information about this exciting build.
As we approach Mother’s Day, consider giving a gift in honor of a special woman in your life – help make Dani’s dream of owning a decent, affordable home a reality. Consider going a bit further and step out and raise your hand as our next volunteer. We hope to see you at the build this summer!
In peace,
Kevin Pelkey, Executive Director
