Studer Community Institute

"We can build it!"

October 11, 2014
/ Joe Vinson
/ training-development

For more than a decade, Pensacola Habitat for Humanity has been organizing Women Build events, where women make up a large part of the construction crew building new Habitat houses. But for the first time, the home builders are also the primary fundraisers. “Back in May we started our fundraising campaign,” said Allison Tyler, communications associate for Pensacola Habitat for Humanity. “We’ve recruited about 100 women, and each of them was challenged to raise about $500.” With more than $50,000 raised, that goal was reached, though it’s still shy of the $75,000 total fundraising target. The 100 or so women (and a few men) started constructing the house on Thursday, splitting into morning and evening shifts across five days. Among those working on the house was future homeowner Tamela Henderson, a mother of four preteen children. The family is schedule to move in next month. On Saturday, the Henderson children were set to don hard hats of their own and visit the site — and take a look at their future bedrooms. "I let them pick out paint colors and bedroom sets," she said. "They're really excited about it." Among the Women Build participants are teams from the Pensacola Roller Gurlz, Pensacola Young Professionals, the Studer Group, Wells Fargo and Wind Creek Casino. “And a lot of our female volunteers who just love Habitat came out here to participate,” Tyler said.

Habitat homeowners are able to purchase their homes with a zero-percent mortgage that has a monthly payment of between $400 to $600. They also contribute “sweat equity” by working on the construction of their home and other Habitat homes. “It’s been fun,” Henderson said. “I’ve been able to meet a lot of different people. I’m just grateful for all the women who came out today and everybody who donated.”

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