Women Build
Coming 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.
There are many ways to participate
- Join the Women Build Steering Committee – meet monthly with an amazing group of interesting and caring local business women
- Help plan one of the fundraising events throughout the year
- Bring a group to build for a day
- Sponsor an event to support the mission
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!
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If you haven’t joined our Women Build Mailing List, please do that right now so you can receive updates on the awesome events we’re having and the progress of the work on the house. If you would like to join our steering committee, have questions or would like more information, please contact Dena Vatalaro at 517-290-0258 or denav@habitatoakland.org.
