Women Build 2012 North Minneapolis home week 10

When I arrived at the Women Build site this week, the crew was finishing up lunch, provided by Cecil’s Deli, and listening to Terra, site supervisor, speak about the importance of affordable housing for a healthy community. This is an election year, and affordable housing is always an important issue. Habitat for Humanity is not affiliated with any political party, but they do help volunteers learn more about candidates and their positions on affordable housing and homelessness in our communities by offering flyers with critical questions to ask.

Thursday’s crew was from Cargill’s Women’s Council and the Energy Transportation Metals – Financial Services (ETM/FS) Division. They raised the money for the team’s day by playing email BINGO! This year’s organizer, Anne, told me that they draw a number twice a day and email it to all of the participants. Approximately 200 of their co-workers participated in the game because they knew it was for Habitat. Cargill has been a consistent and generous contributor to Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity. Sheryl stated it perfectly, “It’s not just about going to work every day, it’s about supporting the community. Cargill really appreciates the support that their employees give to help organizations like Habitat.” Thank you Cargill and Cargill employees!

The house is progressing on schedule. Terra shared that the exterior painting would be done by the end of the week, and the majority of the scaffolding around the house would be down. The ceilings will be sprayed in a few days, and once that is completed the interior painting will begin.

The basement drywall was hung by Erika and Nikki, while Sheryl, Shiz, Anne, Deidre and Tara painted the front porch. Robyn and Women Build Committee co-chair, Sharon, placed the last of the siding on the front peak of the house. The garage siding was being completed by Maureen, Jill and Nancy.

Since June 11^th crews just like this one have added piece by piece to the house that will become a home to Muna and her family. Muna and her son stopped by earlier in the morning, and he was so excited to run upstairs to see his bedroom. Sheryl added, “Those little moments make it all worthwhile.”

Aside from the Cargill Women’s Council crew, last week’s volunteers were all individuals who sought out a day to be a part of Women Build. Check your calendar then log onto VolunteerHub to sign-up to work at our second 2012 Women Build house at 585 Cook Avenue E in St Paul.

Lunches last week were provided by Cecil’s Deli, Milda’s Café and D. Brian’s – Thank you so much!

Nancy Rolland

Women Build Committee