INDIAN RIVER COUNTY — Helen Reddy could easily have been singing about Habitat for Humanity’s Women Build volunteers with her iconic 1971 ballad, “I am Woman.” These women are strong, they are invincible, and they can really make a hammer sing.
In honor of National Women Build Week, thousands of women from 275 Habitat affiliates around the country joined together once more to raise the roof on affordable housing. As the event underwriter, Lowe’s contributed more than $1.3 million, providing each participating affiliate with $5,000 Lowe’s gift cards.
Appropriately held around Mother’s Day, the program encourages women to strap on tool belts and build together, drawing attention to the staggering number of families in need of simple, decent houses.
Manicured nails met nail guns as ladies, joined by a few plucky men, converged Saturday morning on the Grace Meadows community in Fellsmere to put up siding on the last home in the development’s initial section. The air reverberated with the sounds of jigsaws and rhythmic hammering, as carefully measured pieces of siding were meticulously applied.
“We’re always trying to attract more women,” said Habitat board member Sue Croom, a Women Build volunteer since 2005. “There are several of us who have been around awhile. We have 10 to 12 really steady Women Build volunteers who know how to do most of the jobs. Every year we also financially sponsor half a house by giving $25,000.”
Joining Croom on Saturday, were experienced volunteers Lanie Frame, Cyndy Hazlewood, Pat O’Hara, and Hyacinth Brown, who helped supervise the newbies on the job. Efficiency in motion, these ladies unquestionably know their way around a construction site.
Perched up on a ladder alongside other volunteers, Rep. Debbie Mayfield said that although she had participated at Habitat sites elsewhere, this was her first in Indian River County. “It’s such a wonderful cause. There’s such a sense of pride that comes with homeownership.”
Each potential new owner, many of whom work two jobs, must attend various classes on home ownership, and must also dedicate “sweat equity” hours building homes for others as well as for themselves. New owners choose from about five different home styles, and make it their own through individual décor and landscaping.
“It’s a joy to work with people going through the program. Home ownership changes lives,” said Croom. “It also helps the community; we’re taking renters and putting them into their own home. We’re building good communities. I just love Habitat’s mission. I love what they do and how it works. Everyone has a great time and you have these immediate positive results from your efforts.”
“It really is tremendous to see the turnout,” said Andy Bowler, Indian River County Habitat for Humanity executive director. “It’s a great way to introduced ladies to Habitat. A lot of people think it’s a male dominated organization, but some of these women are really skilled.”
“This is something I have really been passionate about,” said long-time Women Build volunteer Hyacinth Brown. “Working with women empowers all of us.”
