Women Build

Working Together to Build Strong, Safer Communities…

Since 2014, Habitat for Humanity of Oakland County Women Build volunteers have come together annually to build or rehab a home through volunteerism, fundraising, and teamwork. Homeownership is now a reality for partner families in Madison Heights, Southfield, Oak Park, and Pontiac.

Women Build efforts provide the opportunity for women to take a proactive step in serving their communities.

Women Build opportunities are available throughout the year and any woman who wants to learn how to build and construct a home is invited to participate. No experience is necessary. Volunteers work under the guidance of construction professionals, and also alongside other volunteers and future Habitat homeowners. Whether you are learning new skills or simply adding a few to your tool belt, this is a rewarding experience for all involved, and improves the community that you share.

Women Build is also a terrific way to involve your friends and family of all ages in crucial work with a lasting impact. Women helping women sends a positive and powerful message. You can also come alone, and make new friends. The atmosphere is collaborative and friendly.

Become a Women Build Team Member – $500

Recognition at annual Welcome Home Luncheon
Guaranteed 1 day group volunteer project at 2020 Women Build site for up to 10 volunteers
Invitation to Ground Breaking and Homeowner Dedication Celebration
Opportunity to host or help plan annual fundraisers
Monthly meetings
Women Build t-shirt
Invitation to end of year appreciation luncheon

A message from Women Build Chair

Greenview Wall Raising

Greenview Home Tour

Get to know the families that Women Build has helped to achieve a better life through homeownership….

Cindy and Dennis Etheridge were living with family when they entered the Habitat program. Cindy, who has a Masters in Social Work suffers from Cerebral Palsy and had never lived in a home she could enter or exit without assistance. Cindy and Dennis were planning their wedding while fulfilling their volunteer “sweat equity” at their new construction home in Madison Heights. Now homeowners for 2 years, Cindy and Dennis are expecting a baby to build their family!

Jennifer Rahmann had been volunteering with Habitat through her employer, Home Depot. Living in a one-bedroom apartment with her two children, Jennifer had been sleeping on a couch for over a year. Jennifer’s tasks on the new home in Southfield included installing the kitchen sink and painting. During this time she made the decision to join the Habitat program and began working through her sweat equity. Driving past the home one day Jennifer noticed that no one had yet moved in. A call to Habitat confirmed that the home was available and Jennifer was able to meet all the criteria to close and move her family into the home. Her son, who is disabled and in a wheelchair is now able to move about the home freely and both Jennifer and her daughter now have their own bedrooms!

Cindy Randall and her children were living in a mobile home in Madison Heights. Cindy was driving the kids back and forth to school in the Royal Oak School District and dreaming of having a safe place for them all to call home. An Occupational Therapist by trade, Cindy suffers from Lyme Disease which has caused her to become disabled and unable to work in her chosen field. An optimist, it was Cindy’s mom who encouraged her to “check out that Habitat program.” Oak Park is the perfect location for the Randall family because it is close to their schools and family. Their dog is able to rejoin the family and loves its big backyard!

Kanisha was born and raised in Pontiac and is a hard-working, and devoted eldest sibling to her 7 other siblings. Although she and her family are close knit, one house for herself, 7 siblings, and her mother can get cramped. Kanisha often feels overwhelmed with the environment that can quickly become chaotic with children in the home ranging from 2 years old to young adults, and as the eldest child, she is ready to be the head of her own household –alone at age 22. She is more than ready and deserving to have her own independence and space, which inspires her dream of homeownership. Kanisha’s current living situation is not sustainable and is a temporary solution while she pursues her dream. Kanisha took ownership of her home in Pontiac and is thriving as a result.

Maridel Singleton immigrated to the United States of America from their home province in the Philippines and settled into a two bedroom apartment here. Maridel and Ben-David created a life for themselves and for their two young sons. Maridel works full time at a grocery store and Ben-David found a position as a driver, and together they work hard with their sons’ future in mind. However, with their current living situation there was just not enough space for all four members of the Singleton family to thrive. Due to the rules and regulations imposed upon them by the apartment management and the limited space available they were unable to indulge in even the simplest of pleasures. Maridel cannot start a garden full of flowers or vegetables, their two sons can barely play outside because of the safety concerns, and they weren’t even able to adopt a pet to add to their family. With a Habitat home, they saw the opportunity to live their life on their own terms with the privilege to enjoy little comforts and the knowledge that they will be able to send their sons to good schools. The Singleton family moved into their home in the spring of 2019 and are enjoying the space to grow and the neighborhood with its wild life and warm neighbors.

Tiffany was raised with love and care by both her foster family and maternal grandmother. Although Tiffany knew she was very loved, she always felt a lack of housing stability and security by being bounced back and forth from home to home. Owning a Habitat home is the beginning of her secure and predictable future. As a mother, Tiffany had big dreams and a commitment to education and soon achieved an Associate’s Degree and Medical Assistant Certification from Oakland Community College.

Today, Tiffany is proud of her 9-year career as a clinic coordinator at Henry Ford Health System, which gives her the ability to support her children. The three live in a crowded two-bedroom apartment without room to play and space to study. Going to the shared laundry area in the basement of her apartment building is just one of the many challenges of renting with small children.

Tiffany is looking forward to building relationships with the Women Build volunteers while working alongside them. Once in her own home Tiffany sees herself less stressed and happier. She knows her older daughter is beyond excited and will be filled with constant joy once they are living in their own home. Through sharing her story, Tiffany hopes to empower other women to become home owners as well.

*Shanta receiving the keys to her new home.*

Shanta and her son (11) are excited to move into their first home. After spending the last 11 years in the same small apartment, they are very excited to have a yard, front porch, and a place of their own.

Shanta’s son is looking forward to starting 6^th grade in the fall. He enjoys electronics, math, and plays various musical instruments. Shanta comes from a big family and looks forward to having the room for family gatherings and holidays.

Shanta completed her sweat equity hours at the Farmington Hills ReStore, building relationships with Habitat staff and customers and making a difference in her community by furthering Habitat’s mission. With the help of the Women Build Team, dedicated volunteers and many generous sponsors, Shanta’s dream of homeownership has come true. She closed on her Southfield home in July 2021.

Women Build Sponsorship Opportunities

Community Builder – $ 20,000

Corporate name on signage at build site and webpage throughout the year
Keynote speaking roll and table for 10 at Welcome Home Luncheon (2021 date TBA), Oakland Hills Country Club
Guaranteed 4 days group volunteer engagement at 2021 Women Build site for up to 6-10 volunteers per day with photo recognition on Facebook
Keynote speaking role at Ground Breaking and Homeowner Dedication Celebrations

Hope Builder – $ 10,000

Corporate name on signage at build site and webpage throughout the year
Table for 10 at Welcome Home Luncheon (2021 date TBA), Oakland Hills Country Club
Guaranteed 3 days group volunteer engagement at 2021 Women Build site for up to 6-10 volunteers per day with photo recognition on Facebook
Invitation to speak at Ground Breaking and Homeowner Dedication Celebration

Welcome Home – $ 5,000

Corporate name on Habitat Oakland Women Build webpage in 2021
Guaranteed 3 days group volunteer engagement at 2021 Women Build site for up to 6-10 volunteers w/lunch with photo recognition on Facebook
Invitation to Ground Breaking and Homeowner Dedication Celebration

Stability – $ 2,500

Corporate name on Habitat Oakland Women Build webpage in 2021
Guaranteed 2 days group volunteer engagement at 2020 Women Build site for up to 6-10 volunteers with photo recognition on Facebook
Invitation to Ground Breaking and Homeowner Dedication Celebration

Security – $ 1,200

Guaranteed 1 day group volunteer engagement at 2021 Women Build site (or other site) for up to 6 volunteers with photo recognition on Facebook
Invitation to Ground Breaking and Homeowner Dedication Celebration

Team Membership – $ 500

PAYMENT

To donate to a Women Build Third Party Fundraiser, click here.

If you would like to join the Women Build Team, secure a sponsor opportunity, have questions or would like more information, please contact Dena Vatalaro at 248-321-9649 or denav@habitatoakland.org.