Dawn Castro
The Valdosta Daily Times
VALDOSTA —
A group of Valdosta women worked through blood, sweat and tears Wednesday in support of Habitat for Humanity.
The Valdosta/Lowndes County Habitat for Humanity Women’s Build project is in its second year of repairing and constructing homes for people in the community who may otherwise live in unsafe houses. This project does not have the same guidelines as the Habitat for Humanity. These homes are totally funded by the government.
Christine Nash, volunteer coordinator of the Habitat for Humanity Women’s Build, said she is very happy to be a part of the project.
“It’s a really good project to be with,” Nash said. “We really try and encourage women to be a part of it. There are volunteer opportunities for everyone, even if you don’t want to actually build.”
Nash got involved with the organization after she graduated from college and interned with Cathy Brunot, the grant writer for the City of Valdosta.
“I really learned what Habitat for Humanity was all about and decided it was what I wanted to do,” Nash said.
Ten volunteers were expected to work on the house located in the area of Brookwood Place on Wednesday. One of those volunteers came to support this cause for the first time. Patricia Farrell said she was told about the project from her friend but didn’t need to have her arm twisted to volunteer.
“I have so much, and I just thought it would be nice to help someone else,” Farrell said. “I’m not a stranger to hard work. My dad used to work on houses, and I helped out. I know how to work with my hands.”
Farrell added she is an avid HGTV girl and learns a lot about houses just by watching the show.
The Women’s Build project is geared towards women being the builders, but a handful of men assist wherever needed. Kevin Brown, William Johnson, Terry Cumbus and construction manager for Habitat for Humanity Larry Henderson were present to ensure the women were safe, assist, or answer questions.
Brown, Habitat staff member, said this is a job dominated by men so it is refreshing to see women getting involved and building.
“We get tired of seeing the men,” Brown laughed. “We want to encourage the women to come out. The men are just here to make sure the women have fun, and do whatever they need us to do.”
Habitat for Humanity has built many homes for people world wide. Henderson said a lot of the people he has met have been told they will never have anything and no one will help them. Through the organization, he has seen a lot of changes in those people.
“This (organization) really gives hope to people,” he said. “For those we have been able to help, their outlook on life has been more positive.”
Henderson added that Habitat for Humanity is not a giveaway program. It is not to be confused with the Women’s Build project. Recipients have to perform 450 hours working on their houses or someone else’s house, and they have to be qualified first for the assistance. They also have to pay for the material cost used for their homes.
The mission of the Women’s Build department of Habitat for Humanity International is to work through affiliates to nurture, recruit and train women to build simple, decent, healthy and affordable houses. The Women’s Build helps eliminate poverty housing by building up communities.
Lowe’s is a national partner with Habitat for Humanity and is the underwriter for the Women’s Build project. It supplies grant money for the city’s volunteer project teams.
The Women’s Build is scheduled to run through May 8. Construction begins each day at 8 a.m. and will conclude each day at 4 p.m. For more information on how to become a volunteer, contact Christine Nash, (229) 245-1330, ext. 27; or volunteerhabitat@bellsouth.net.
