Women Build: Habitat for Humanity

Crystal’s Champion Women Build: Habitat for Humanity

Lawrence Habitat’s 102nd homeowner, Haley Patterson, and her four children, Larkin, Kenadee, Kambree, and Knox

1. Where did the idea of women build come along? Since 1991, Women Build volunteers from all walks of life have come together to build stronger, safer communities. Though our neighborhoods are comprised largely of women and children, they are also the population’s most likely to be affected by poor living conditions. Our Women Build events provide the opportunity for women to take a proactive step in serving their communities. Women Build opportunities are available across the U.S., and any woman who wants to learn how to build and construct a home is invited to join us. No experience is necessary. Volunteers work under the guidance of construction professionals, and also alongside other volunteers and future Habitat homeowners. Whether you are learning new skills or simply adding a few to your tool belt, this is a rewarding experience for all involved, and improves the community that you share. Women Build is also a terrific way to involve your friends and family of all ages in crucial work with a lasting impact. Women helping women sends a positive and powerful message. You can also come alone, and make new friends. The atmosphere is collaborative and friendly.

2. What is the mission behind women built and how do you put that message out to the community?

See above! Locally, we want to empower women (and men) to get involved in the affordable housing initiative and we use our Happy Hour event and our Women of Lawrence calendar to gain exposure and community involvement.

The Women Build program has provided funding for 9 homes since 2002. We just started the building on our 9th Women Build home on October 5, 2019 for the Patterson family.

4. What is your key takeaway from working so closely with these families?

Owning a home is a dream come true for many of our homeowners. It is an opportunity to have a stable, secure place to raise their families without living outside their budget.

Lawrence Habitat’s 102nd homeowner, Haley Patterson, and her four children, Larkin, Kenadee, Kambree, and Knox. Haley and her family have lived in Lawrence for a little over five years and have only glowing things to say about the area. “We absolutely love this town and the schools,” she says. Haley says that she has always had to rent a place to live in Lawrence, and required roommates to help her pay the bills, although she always dreamed of having a place of their own.

“The day I found out that my family and I were chosen...it was surreal,” she says. “Our lives were going to get better, my family was going to get closer, and my dream was actually going to come true!” Haley says she had no words at the time, and could only think of how excited her and her children were to have their “forever home.”

5. How can someone get involved in helping habitat for humanity?

We always need volunteers! As you can imagine, we need volunteer support on building the actual houses, but we also utilize volunteers to execute our fundraising events, participate on our committees (finance, construction, family selection, etc) and help in our Habitat ReStore. Any person interested in giving their time to Lawrence Habitat can contact our volunteer coordinator, Erin Schmidt, at 785-832- 0777 or volunteer@lawrencehabitat.org.

6. How many homes have been built in our community with habitat for humanity?

We have completed 100 homes and have 2 houses underway!

Women Build Volunteers