Being a Women United member means being a positive force for the community. On Thursday, October 19th, members rolled up their sleeves to help out United Way partner agency Habitat for Humanity with two houses in different stages of construction.
It was clear from the start that Habitat for Humanity does more than build houses. “Anyone can throw keys to someone,” said Site Supervisor Eric Click. “Our goal is to give families the tools and resources they need to thrive in a community.”
Long-term success is Habitat for Humanity’s goal, so in order to obtain a house, applicants must meet certain eligibility requirements, such as taking classes that cover everything from finances to home repair and completing 300 hours of service, which includes helping build their own home as well as another Habitat project. Once these requirements are fulfilled, clients receive keys to a house with 0% interest on their mortgage. Eric said that meeting all the qualifications, however, should not deter someone from inquiring. If possible, Habitat will try to work with clients to get them to a place where they can apply. For example, if their credit score is low, Habitat can offer financial education options to help raise their score.
For Women United member Lynn Andrews, the decision to give back as a community volunteer is personal. “After my father passed away in 2005, I quit my job in New York and went to Uganda to help build houses for a Habitat for Humanity project. It’s amazing to be a part of building a home for a family that might have never had one. To see the joy on a family’s face when they get those keys, to see someone feel like they belong in a community, is incredible.” With regard to Thursday’s project, she said, “I was especially excited to be a part of a women-only build.”
Women United is an incredibly generous group of community members who give their time as well as money, as evidenced by projects such as this. “I love the hands-on volunteer opportunities that Women United provides and being able to meet so many other volunteers interested in making a positive difference in our community,” said Barbara Aland, Women United and Tocqueville Society member.
To learn more about joining a group of women working toward building up their community, click here.
