Women Build 2012

Sea Island Habitat for Humanity’s (SIHH) 12^th annual Women Build took place at Green Valley Lane (off Grimball Road Extension) on James Island. Green Valley Lane is our first neighborhood on James Island, and it is in a great location. We are excited to be able to provide safe, affordable, energy-efficient housing in a community that has fewer and fewer housing options for low income families.  Green Valley Lane will have five houses when it is finished, and all will be owned by single working moms.

Women came from Massachusetts, Texas, Ohio and Georgia to volunteer for Women Build 2012.  A sister team joined us from Pennsylvania, and we had great local support including groups from Kiawah and Seabrook, employees from the City of Charleston and Blackbaud Corporation, and members from The Point.  For many volunteers, Women Build is an annual commitment that is eagerly anticipated; the feeling of camaraderie, meaningful hard work, supporting SIHH, and volunteering alongside SIHH homeowners is profoundly gratifying. The mission of Women Build is to fund and build a home, primarily by women, for a low-income, working family. It also provides inspiration for women to empower themselves, while at the same time develop lasting life skills and relationships.

 Our 2012 Women Build homeowner, Avis Williams, is animated and enthusiastic.  She has been a domestic worker with child care responsibilities for a number of families for almost 20 years!  She is fond of “her” families and attends special events of the children who are in her care.  Several years ago, at the encouragement of one of her employers, Avis returned to school.  The day before Women Build started she graduated with her Associate’s Degree in Criminal Justice from Trident Technical College!  She is rightfully proud of her accomplishment, and plans to continue with her studies towards her Bachelor’s degree.

The atmosphere on the build site is always supportive and filled with humor. Progress on the house was steady and rewarding.  On the first Saturday of the build, thanks to our great construction team, the floor system was in place. By the end of the week the external and internal framing was complete, the walls were sheathed, windows and doors cut, and the trusses put into place.  The house is an impressive accomplishment for our construction supervisors and volunteers.

 It was a pleasure to have Avis work with Women Build volunteers, and Avis says she’s honored to be part of Women Build. She puts her feelings simply by saying, “This is a blessing from God!”