About Women Build

CLICK HERE TO GIVE AN ONLINE DONATION FOR WOMEN BUILD!

Click here for information on our Women Build Construction Classes

A Women Build is no different from any other Habitat build except that most of the work is done by women! By participating in the Women Build, you can develop your building skills, build camaraderie with fellow workers, and gain a sense of pride by uniting with other women to build a home in partnership with a family who could not otherwise afford to own a home of their own. Women's groups of all kinds--schools, sororities, professional women's associations--have found that Women Build is a great way to bring their members together while providing a great service to the community.

Habitat Philadelphia's Women Build program was started by a group of women affiliated with Habitat for Humanity Germantown, one of the four affiliates that merged to form Habitat Philadelphia. Through fundraising and the valued support of sponsors Lowe's and Motrin, and from generous support from individuals, corporations, and congregations, three houses have been completed, all in Germantown.

The first two houses were three-bedroom new constructions on adjacent lots Habitat received from the City. Architects Kiki Bolender and Rachel Schade of Schade and Bolender Architects created a sleek, modern design that anchors the corner of a block of 100-year old row homes that Habitat had previously renovated. The third house was a renovation of a four-bedroom twin on Knox Street. The house was donated to Habitat by the Petel family, who had lived in the house for over 80 years. Built in the early part of the 20th century, this charming house had been lovingly maintained by its previous owners and was in very sound condition. We upgraded all systems, added insulation, and moved the kitchen. We were also able to maintain many of the original features of the house, including most of the window and door moldings, the solid wood doors and antique doorknobs, and the in-laid oak flooring.

Plans for the Future

The Women Build Committee will continue its fundraising efforts to support the construction & rehabilitation of Habitat homes. We look forward to our Annual Benefit & Auction on May 1, 2008 at the Painted Bride Art Center and our summer session construction classes. We are meeting with church groups, women's organizations, and women-owned businesses to inform and raise support for the various projects we expect to undertake, including the addition of specialized construction courses in home electric installation, plumbing, and homebuying & mortgage workshops. We are also excited about upcoming Women Build Days onsite for which the fundraising is all done by women, and a significant amount of the construction work will be done by women volunteers and women professionals.

If you would like to make a specific donation to this cause, send your donation to Women Build
Habitat for Humanity Philadelphia, 1829 N. 19th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19121. Write "Women Build" in the memo section of your check. Additionally, you can click Donate Now to give online. Just designate your transaction for "Women Build".

Other ways to get involved

Volunteer on site--bring a group or come by yourself Call or email our volunteer coordinator to schedule a date at 215-765-6000 x10. We do require all groups to fundraise in advance of their work day. Ask our Volunteer Coordinator for suggestions about ways you can fundraise including setting up a "FirstGiving" webpage to have friends, family and co-workers sponsor you on your workday. Individuals are not required to fundraise, but donations in support of your workday are always welcome!

Join the Women Build Committee The Committee meets once a month to organize the Women's Build program and to plan fundraisers, including our annual Spring Silent Auction. Email Maria Dooley for information on meeting times.

Hold a Jeans Day at your workplace Have everyone in your workplace pay $5 or whatever you think appropriate for the privilege of dressing casually for a day. Donate that money to Habitat's Women Build!

For more information on the Women Build program, please e-mail the Women Build committee's chair Maria Dooley at womenbuild@habitatphiladelphia.org.