By Maddy Alewine
Women Build. Often people confuse this name and say “Women’s Build,” but Women Build is a whole sentence. Noun + verb. Women Build.
It’s a simple sentence, but a powerful one. In an often male-dominated industry like Construction, Habitat’s Women Build is a welcoming space for folks of all genders to learn construction skills and give back to their community.
This May Asheville Habitat will kick off construction of the 21st Women Build House, continuing a movement that has spanned the past few decades.
Women Build donors, volunteers, and supporters raise $55,000 for the house construction and build the home. Some of Women Build’s biggest supporters are the WomBATs (Women Build Advocacy Team), including Julie White. Read about why Julie volunteers every week, and how you can get involved in Women Build.
Q: When and how did you first get involved with Habitat?
Julie: About 16 years ago a friend invited me to join her at a Woman Build volunteer day. I loved it and have been involved with the program since then.
Q: How long have you been a core volunteer?
Julie: I’ve been a Habitat core volunteer for 11 years.
Q: What did you like most about that initial experience with Woman Build?
Julie: I really enjoyed learning new skills (they were all new skills to me) within a supportive environment. The crew leaders and fellow workers were so friendly and encouraging. Working with a group of women helped me grow my confidence and skills.
Q: What do you like the most about Habitat and its mission.
Julie: So many things: I love that Habitat helps people to become homeowners while expecting them to participate in becoming homeowners through “sweat equity” and learning about homeownership.
I love their philosophy that everyone deserves a decent and affordable place to live. I see this carried out in both their new home and home repair programs.
I also love the openness and respect which is given to everyone associated with the organization regardless of their race, religion, age, gender, political views or any of the other distinctions that too often divide people.
Q: If you could talk to someone on the fence about volunteering with Habitat what would you tell them?
Julie: I would tell them that by volunteering at Habitat you are making a real and meaningful contribution to the community. You will work with some of the best people around, while learning new things and having a great time.
Want to get involved in Women Build? Join Julie and other Women Build volunteers, homeowners, and supporters at the annual fundraiser Rock the House! See the Eventbrite for details and to register (it’s free). Visit our volunteer calendar to sign up for a volunteer day.
