150 Osmun St Pontiac, MI 48342 | 248-338-1843
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Women Build

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

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.

Women Build Sponsorship Opportunities

Thank you to the Women Build 2019 Sponsors

  • Sedgwick
  • Barton Malow
  • Serra Foundation
  • North Family Foundation
  • GMAR
  • Goldstar Financial
  • Team Gammo
  • Consumers Energy

Community Builder – $ 20,000

  • Corporate name on signage at build site throughout the build
  • Keynote speaking roll and table for 10 (not guaranteed after 2-15-20) at Welcome Home Luncheon April 15, 2020, Oakland Hills Country Club
  • Recognition and entry for 6 guests at all Women Build events in 2020­
  • Guaranteed 5 days group volunteer project at 2020 Women Build site for up to 10 volunteers per day w/lunch and
  • Keynote speaking roll at Ground Breaking and Homeowner Dedication Celebrations

Hope Builder – $ 10,000

  • Corporate name on signage at build site throughout the build
  • Table for 10 (not guaranteed after 2-15-20) at Welcome Home Luncheon April 15, 2020, Oakland Hills Country Club
  • Recognition and entry for 4 guests at all Women Build events in 2020
  • Guaranteed 4 days group volunteer project at 2020 Women Build site for up to 10 volunteers per day w/lunch and with recognition on Facebook
  • Invitation to Ground Breaking and Homeowner Dedication Celebration

Welcome Home – $ 5,000

  • Corporate name on Habitat Oakland Women Build webpage in 2020
  • Guaranteed 3 days group volunteer project at 2019 Women Build site for up to 8 volunteers w/lunch with recognition on Facebook
  • Invitation to Ground Breaking and Homeowner Dedication Celebration

Stability – $ 2,500

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

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.

Women Build Family Stories

Episode 1: An Accessible Home

Episode 2: A Home to Call Home

Episode 3: Giving Families Hope

Episode 4: Building a Better Future