About the Blog:

Guelph Politico is locally sourced and dedicated to covering the political and cultural scene in the City of Guelph. Est. 2008.

Thursday, June 2, 2011

Women Build Launches Saturday

Women in Guelph are banding together this summer to build a house for a family in need and it begins with a blessing of the foundation on Saturday June 4th, 9 am to 10 am along with a Meet the Neighbours.
Habitat for Humanity Wellington County’s Women Build are looking for women who are willing to roll up their sleeves and pitch in. They’re building a single detached home at 439 York Road and they need volunteer builders on site from June through to September, Tuesdays through Saturdays. Tools, lunch and training are provided. Registered volunteers can also attend free skills workshops so they can feel more comfortable with power tools before their build day.
Additionally, volunteer builders are being asked to raise a minimum of $150. That will get you up to three days on the build site. For a $25 administration fee, you can have eight days or more on-site. And if building doesn't appeal to you, you can still participate by fundraising. Anyone who raises $500 will be entered into a draw for a hot air balloon ride for two.
Women can also put together a team of 10 and build with friends and family. The fee is $1,500. Women Build is also looking for corporate sponsors for financial or in-kind donations.
Men are also allowed to participate, but the point of Women Build is to promote women as leaders and provide an opportunity for women to learn new skills, to build confidence, to work in solidarity, and to really make a difference to a family.
Stable housing is a critical factor in raising a family out of poverty. Habitat for Humanity homes are sold to the recipient family at market value and the organization holds the mortgage with payments geared-to-income. Mortgage payments help to fund subsequent builds.
The recipient family also puts in 500 volunteer hours building their home. It’s very likely you could be working along-side a family member.
Registration and payment is easy online. You'll also find out more about how to get in shape for build day, ideas for fundraising, and information about our special events.
During Saturday morning’s event you can meet the participant family, meet the Women Build project leaders, see the unveiling of ‘The Powder Room,’ the prettiest outhouse on a construction site and learn more about the project.
As well, you can follow Women Build on Twitter @hfhwc and join the conversation with #womenbuildhthwc, or you can join the Facebook group at www.facebook.com/hghwc. You can also check out the website at http://www.habitatwellington.on.ca/womenbuild.html
Construction will begin on June 7th.

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