Women Build: 'I would do it full time if I could'

This spring, hundreds of women will come together in North Minneapolis to build a home and kick off another year of the Women Build Program. Women Build plans on constructing not one, but two homes this year and repairing another home through A Brush with Kindness.

Last year over 800 women of all skill levels volunteered with Women Build in one form or another, to complete projects that were led by female site supervisors.

“Women build gives women the opportunity to learn something they wouldn’t otherwise do in a safe and empowering environment,” said Sharon Pfeiffer, Co-Chair of the Women Build Committee. “I always say, there are no bad days at Habitat. I would do it full time if I could. You learn something new, give back to the community and make a difference no matter what the job.”

You can also join the regular crew and volunteer with women throughout the winter once or twice a month. A great way to get yourself and others involved is to sponsor a team leader day. Gather a group of women (think friends, family, and coworkers), raise $1,500 collectively, and volunteer on the construction site for a day. No construction experience necessary! If you have experience in construction and are comfortable leading others, make an ongoing commitment as a Women Build Crew Leader. Crew Leaders work with Site Supervisors to lead unskilled volunteers making sure projects run safely and correctly.

Those who want to contribute, but not do construction should consider volunteering to provide lunch on site, join the committee and help build the program by writing updates, planning events and assisting with recruitment or make a donation online. To learn more about Women Build call Heather Erickson at 612-305-7138 or send an email to heather.erickson@tchabitat.org.

Have you built with Women Build before? What was your experience?

By Betsy Sandberg, former Communications Intern, Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity
Excerpted from the Habitat Herald | Spring 2012