Ever heard of Habitat for Humanity (HFH)? Here in Buffalo, we
have our own chapter of the non-profit organization. But, we also have the HFH
affiliate program, Women Build.
The Women Build
volunteer program encourages women to take part in the construction and
hands-on aspects in building houses. The first Women Build house was
constructed in 1998 on Sycamore Street. Then, in 2005, after raising $68,000,
another new house was built on Johnson Street.
This April, Women Build's newest project will begin. A new 4-bedroom house will be built at 47 Fox Street. The public is invited to witness the groundbreaking of the house on April 17th at 9:30 AM at the Fox Street location. In conjunction with University at Buffalo (UB) architecture students, building will begin on May 10th. The house is scheduled to be completed in September. The project is also in celebration of the 25th anniversary of HFH/Buffalo, which began in 1985.
Women Build has already collected close to $50,000, but needs to raise $70,000. This Friday, March 19th, all are invited to attend the "Women
Build at Babeville" fundraiser. The event will be held in Asbury Hall at Babeville, located at 341 Delaware
Avenue. Tickets are $30.
Beginning at 6 PM, the night will feature hor d'oeuvres and wine
tasting, in addition to a silent and live auction. Domenic Cortese of the WBEN (930
AM) "Hammertime" show will host the event.
The 2010 Women Build project has already received sponsorship
from the Buffalo Bills, Turner Construction, and others. The purpose of the
fundraiser is to hopefully reach the $70,000 goal necessary to pay for all the
materials.
On May 8th, HFH/Buffalo and Women Build will participate
in the National Women's Build Week. Women will be invited to volunteer at
existing Habitat work sites throughout Buffalo.
Three hundred women are registered to help with the 2010 project, but Women Build is always looking for more volunteers. If you'd like to volunteer, you are encouraged to attend a meeting on April 15th at 7 PM at the North Presbyterian Church on 300 N Forest Road. The meeting will provide more information about Women Build and the new project. To be added to the Women Build mailing list, email your name and address to womenbuild@habitatbuffalo.org.
If you can't attend the fundraiser and you'd like to donate, please send donations marked "Women Build 2010" to the HFH/Buffalo office at 995 Kensington Ave., Buffalo, NY 14215.