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Habitat – Women Build

Article by Stephanie Black of East Pasco Habitat, Photos by Richard Riley��

Tuesday, June 7, 2011

Women volunteers raised the walls of two Habitat for Humanity houses April 30th at 39295 Coit Rd, Dade City, FL 33523 (Lacoochee) Coit Rd & Flanders Rd. The women are building two homes with the Burns and Atkins families as part of Habitat for Humanity’s Women Build program, underwritten by Lowe’s, which aims to get families out of poverty shelter and into decent, affordable homes. Saturday the walls were raised, Sunday exterior sheathing was hammered on. There is more work to do this week and the women are working hard to get it done.
Habitat invites everyone to come out and volunteer on these homes during National Women Build Week April 30th - May 8th (Mother’s Day)! “This is the first time Habitat will attempt to build two homes in a week with crews of women. These homes will be the first of many new homes planned for the Lacoochee area. To say we are excited about this project is an understatement” said Stephanie Bracknell Black, director of development & public relations for Habitat for Humanity of East & Central Pasco.
Locally, over 50 women volunteers from Withlacoochee River Electric Cooperative, Tampa Bay Buccaneer Cheerleaders, and others came out to volunteer on these two homes this past weekend.
Nationally, women make up 50 percent of Habitat’s volunteer force, yet women account for only 15 percent of volunteers actively doing construction. By involving more women in construction, Women Build projects enable Habitat to build more homes with families in need.
Like all Habitat homeowners, the Atkins and Burns families will buy their house through low payments on a zero interest, no-profit loan. They will also contribute “sweat equity” by working on their home alongside volunteers. Anyone interested in applying for a habitat home, volunteering, or offering donations is encouraged to call Habitat for Humanity of East & Central Pasco at (352)567-1444 or visit our Web site at www.habitatpasco.org.��