Women from across Lincoln are coming together in the next few weeks to build homes for families in need of safe, affordable housing in Northeast Lincoln.
The Women Build campaign began recruiting women in September. All 50 of the Women Build participants agreed to raise a minimum of $500 each and participate on the job site one day in May. The participants do not necessarily have construction backgrounds but rather represent a wide range of industries in Lincoln including insurance, banking, manufacturing, education, real estate and more.
Women Build participants will be taught how to do different tasks in the home building process including installing insulation, siding, framing, and painting. This Saturday, they will be starting on one townhome for two families in Lincoln and will have the opportunity to do additional work on another townhome for two additional families.
KLIN News spoke with Habitat for Humanity of Lincoln’s Development Director, Deanna Walz, “The biggest misconception with Habitat for Humanity is that we give away homes for free. And that is not true. What we do is we provide an opportunity for families to purchase an affordable mortgage. Homeowners, then have that equity in their home, and then they are able to break the cycle of generational poverty. That is the whole idea. Its a hand up, not a hand out.”
The original goal of this campaign was $50,000 which was surpassed mid-April, thanks to generous support from donors and sponsors Ameritas and Lincoln Journal Star. Habitat decided to raise the goal to $60,000 and is currently $2605.42 away from achieving the new goal.
Established in 1988, Habitat for Humanity of Lincoln has built or repaired more than 199 local homes. Through community partnerships, Habitat builds strength, stability and self-reliance alongside families in need of decent and affordable housing.
More information on the Women Build project can be found here.
(Photo Courtesy: Habitat for Humanity of Lincoln)