Women Build 2008

Women Build 2008Here to see the project photo album

Home Construction Isn't Just for Men...

When 38 community leaders gathered in Wyoming on April 12, 2008, to help kick off the 2008 Habitat for Humanity of Kent County Women Build™ with other female volunteers and skilled tradeswomen, plenty of lessons unfolded… and not all will involve power tools, sore muscles, and potentially a blister or two.

The Habitat for Humanity Women Build is a phenomenal event unfolding across the globe in partnership with Lowe’s Home Improvement Stores. To date, the Habitat Women Build boasts more than 1,200 homes built around the world since its creation in 1998. Each year hundreds more homes are added as affiliates, donors and sponsors discover the impact of women volunteers and their resources. The theme of this year’s efforts is: “Redefining Home Making.”

And while these accomplishments are daunting on their own merits, perhaps what truly motivates the soul is the transformation that occurs not just within the Habitat family, but with all those women who step up to lend them a hand.

“The Habitat Women Build empowers women to build, enabling them to positively impact the lives of children by making homeownership a present reality for families,” notes Habitat for Humanity of Kent County Executive Director Pam Doty-Nation. “It’s not about excluding men; it’s about including women. Women are often intimidated on a “mixed” construction site; but in the comfortable environment of a Women Build site, they quickly learn construction skills. By planning projects where the majority of volunteers are women, Women Build involves more women in Habitat’s construction efforts, thereby increasing the number of houses Habitat can build.

“The bottom line is when women come together in a supportive environment, they feel a tremendous sense of accomplishment and increased self-esteem. This life lesson is tremendous – and very powerful.”

Lowe’s How To Clinics …

Lowe's is hosting a series of "How-To Clinics" at the Lowe's Kentwood store for volunteers who sign up to work on Women Build. Topics include How to Safely use Power Tools, How to Frame for Walls and Roofs, How to Install Exterior Siding, and How to Finish Interior with Paint and Trim. To register for a clinic, contact Habitat for Humanity of Kent County Volunteer Coordinator Colleen Mahon-VanDoren at 616.774.2431 x224 or cmahonvandoren@habitatkent.org. Space for attending the clinics is limited.

How You Can Get Involved

Women Build LogoClick here for construction schedule

Women interested in signing up to volunteer on the Women Build should contact:

Colleen Mahon-VanDoren, Volunteer Coordinator, at 616.774.2431 x224 or email Colleen at cmahonvandoren@habitatkent.org. Week day and Saturday times are available through July 3, 2008. Women are encouraged to invite friends and family, or organize building days as corporate teambuilding opportunities.

Resources