CONSTRUCTING COMPASSION

Twenty UNCW women faculty and staff members donned hard hats and construction belts to help build a home for a family who lost their house during Hurricane Florence.

The project was part of Cape Fear Habitat for Humanity’s “Women Build,” a volunteer program for women who want to learn construction skills and make a difference by building homes in their communities. In May, volunteers secured the house’s structure, added trusses and placed plywood on the exterior walls of a three-bedroom home. The Seahawk group also raised $5,000 for the program. “Volunteering reminds me of the importance of collective care that is empowering, creates a stronger community and builds authentic connections across diverse groups of people,” said Dana Stachowiak, Gender Studies and Research Center director. “It was nice to step away from the everyday grind and be a part of building a stronger, more sustainable Wilmington community.”

– V.J. THE PROJECT WAS SUPPORTED BY:

The Office of Community Engagement and Applied Learning, Gender Studies and Research Center, Office of Institutional Diversity and Inclusion, College of Arts and Sciences, Watson College of Education and the Provost’s Office.