Women Build a Habitat for Humanity Home

Some West Virginia women are putting their muscle and their hearts into building a house for a homeless family. The Almost Heaven Habitat for Humanity's first Women Build Project in Greenbrier County, West Virginia has attracted women from across the state to the project. They're working alongside Laura Blevins, a single parent of four, who currently lives in a homeless shelter. The Blevins family has moved 16 times in eight years so having a permanent home to call their own will be a dream come true. Substandard conditions of the housing including mold, rodents, insects and leaking roofs sent the family packing for better housing so many times over the last decade.

Women Build a Habitat for Humanity Home

HUD Operations Specialist Evelyn Young in the Charleston Field Office was on hand for the groundbreaking ceremony last November. That launched the work of the ladies who were tasked with planning, funding and building this new home. That means, they'll be doing everything from start to finish including framing the walls and finishing the trim. The build officially began late last month as the foundation was laid for the new home for Blevin and her children. More than 100 women signed up to hammer and nail their way to completing the project.

The Women Build house will provide an environment in which women can learn new skills they might not otherwise have the opportunity to learn. It is helping women to redefine "housework" and will provide a safe, affordable place for this family to live.