Sunday, May 21, 2000

Habitat for Humanity organizing woman-powered construction project

David Adame/Caller-Times

Habitat for Humanity-Corpus Christi is organizing an all-woman construction project for the fall. The agency hopes to build a three-bedroom, two-bath home for a single mother living in the area. The project is being led by agency executive director Patricia Clark (second from left) and supported by members Gail Brewer (left), Shelia Hannegan, Connie Garbe and Michelle Knight.

A woman makes a home. By taking those five words literally, Habitat for Humanity-Corpus Christi is out to break an old stereotype.
   The organization is signing up female volunteers for "Women Build Project 2000," a Habitat for Humanity house slated for construction in the fall to be built entirely by female roofers, architects, plumbers, painters, construction workers and electricians. It is part of a nationwide effort by the nonprofit, Christian organization to tap into an underutilized resource of construction volunteers - women. All-women crews have built more than 250 Habitat for Humanity homes across the country in the last two years.
   By taking on the physical labor of providing affordable housing for low-income families, women empower themselves as well as the new homeowners they help, said Patricia Clarke, executive director of Habitat for Humanity-Corpus Christi.
   "We know how difficult it is to either purchase a home or build one," said Kathie Bland, a board member with the local organization. "We've all been there at one time or another. Decent, affordable housing is a must in our community."

How you can help To volunteer, donate building materials, serve as a construction consultant or become a sponsor, call 884-2340. For more information, visit www.habitat.org The public is also invited to attend the next Women Build project meeting, at 6:30 p.m. June 6 at Habitat for Humanity-Corpus Christi, 306 N. Staples.

   The idea for a locally sponsored Women Build project came up a year and a half ago, Bland said, during a conversation she had with a fellow board member.
   "I moved here from the Chicago area where there is a lot of exposure and backing of women projects," Bland said. "I felt like this was the kind of project Corpus would like to participate in."
   Since then, the idea has been formally endorsed by the group's board, a steering committee has been formed and nearly 40 local women have already committed to the project. The group is looking for an additional 150 volunteers. No construction experience is required, and home-building workshops will be provided. But women with framing, drywall, electrical, plumbing, air-conditioning, and landscaping skills are also needed.
   The group has also begun a three-month campaign to raise the $35,000 to $40,000 needed to build the three-bedroom, two-bath house, earmarked for a single mother with three children. Board members hope to dedicate the house during the week of Christmas.
   "We hope that what we're starting with this first-ever project is a tradition in Corpus Christi," Clarke said.
  
 

---

  © 2000 Corpus Christi Caller Times, a Scripps Howard newspaper. All rights reserved.