Monday, September 6, 2010
Habitat for Humanity of Martin County will kick off its 2011 Women Build program with a special “Building Blocks Luncheon” and shopping event at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 6 at Harbour Bay Plaza’s Palm Room, 3720 S.E. Ocean Blvd., Stuart.
Beginning at 11 a.m., attendees will have a unique opportunity to buy everything needed to complete the 2011 Women Build home, even the kitchen sink! The shopping list includes all the necessary “building blocks,” from footer concrete, paint and roofing nails to doors, cabinets and appliances. Items are listed per unit at Habitat’s actual cost, ranging from $12 to $3,500. All donations are tax-deductible and tax receipts will be provided.
The luncheon and presentation will begin at 12 p.m. with passionate testimonials from Habitat volunteers and staff, as well as past and present Women Build home recipients, detailing the profound impact this program has on the Martin County community and its female participants. Renato’s Italian Ristorante will cater the luncheon with a menu featuring a salad, choice of chicken marsala or eggplant parmesan and dessert.
“We are so grateful for the opportunity to build our fourth Women Build home for a very special family,” said Mary Jones, director of volunteer services at Habitat for Humanity of Martin County. “Habitat is blessed with amazing staff members, volunteers and community partners who contribute their sweat and tears, time and money to this wonderful cause. We look forward to working with them and meeting new faces at our upcoming luncheon.”
The 2011 Women Build home will be built for Shameeka Dixon and her two 4-year-old boys in the Hobe Sound community of Banner Lake. Dixon is already contributing to Habitat’s sweat equity requirement of 300 volunteer hours and construction of her home will begin in January. She will purchase the home with a no-profit loan and her monthly mortgage payments will be used to build more Habitat homes.
“Owning a home means everything to me. I’ll be setting up a great foundation for my children and they’ll have a place to call home,” says Dixon. “It’s also a great achievement for me to reach one of my life-long goals.”
Luncheon tickets are $35 and seating is limited. Reservations must be made prior to Sept. 30 by calling Habitat for Humanity of Martin County at (772) 223-9940. To view the “Building Blocks Shopping List” or for more information, visit HabitatMartin.org and click on “Women Build.”
About Women Build
Women Build is a Habitat for Humanity International program that encourages women and girls to have fun and make a difference by building homes and communities. Women crews around the world have built thousands of homes since Women Build’s official creation in 1998. Each year, more homes are added as affiliates, donors and sponsors discover the impact of women volunteers and their resources.
Fast Facts
- Women Build empowers women to build Habitat homes, enabling them to positively impact the lives of children by making home ownership a present reality for families.
- Women Build is not about excluding men; it's about including women.
- Women are often intimidated on a “mixed” construction site; but in the comfortable environment of Women Build, they quickly learn construction skills.
- When women come together in a supportive environment, they feel a tremendous sense of accomplishment and increased self-esteem.
- More than 12 million U.S. children – one in six – are living in poverty. Poverty is a severe threat to children's health, growth and potential.
- Women need not wait for others to address substandard housing issues. They have the capability and determination to be part of the solution.
About Habitat for Humanity of Martin County
Habitat for Humanity of Martin County is a not-for-profit, volunteer-driven organization that extends the opportunity to purchase simple, decent, affordable homes to local families who would not otherwise have that chance. The three key criteria necessary in order to make homeownership a reality for families include the need for shelter, ability to pay, and willingness to partner with Habitat for Humanity. For more information, call (772) 223-9940.
