Anne Lord-Tomas and Habitat Board Member Deb Penuel volunteered at the Women Build home blessing and build at Veronica’s future home on Mother’s Day weekend.
On Thursday, May 18, we celebrated the successful completion of our 13th Women Build season with a Thank You Party at the McGregor ReStore! At the event, we took the opportunity to recognize and thank each person that made an impact by building for empowerment.
Future Homeowner Veronica spoke about Women Build’s impact on her life. “This whole process has been led by God and God alone” she shared. “I did walk into Habitat broken, but I’m walking out saying my life has changed. My mindset and my faith have become stronger…thank you to everyone for what you’ve done for us.”
During our 2023 Women Build season, over 140 volunteers contributed 895 hours on seven homes for female-led families. Women Build SuperPeople, fundraising teams, individual donors and local companies raised over $379,000 and counting to fund the construction costs of the two affordable homes for single moms Sarah and Veronica.
To honor our fundraising team captain’s commitment to Women Build, the top-earning team receives Habitat’s coveted High Heel award each year. Congratulations to this year’s winning team, Pat’s Amigas led by Pat Benner, for raising a record-breaking $58,050!
Then, Habitat Lee and Hendry CEO Becky Lucas shared the following poem to honor the Women Build journey and each person who participated.
For I am Women Build
By Becky LucasFor I am Women Build
Building over 13 years, I’ve grown strong
Opening my arms for all to belong
Blurring lines between those who give and receive
Empowering through partnership is what I believeFor I am Women Build
My homes have someone’s sweat, someone’s prayers
From slab to roof—tangible reminders of those who care
And on my work sites—we are all the same
A common bond formed of trials overcameFor I am Women Build
Bridging challenges once thought uncrossable
Fighting for all that a home makes possible
Sharing dreams of a better future and what is to come
Recognizing confidently, we are more than our incomeFor I am Women Build
Connecting the determined with solutions and opportunity
Working together for strength, self-reliance and stabilityFor I am Women Build
This event is not the end, for our work has just begun
Because creating safe places to call home takes everyone
Thank you to our amazing sponsors, SuperPeople, fundraising teams, donors, and volunteers. Because of you, Women Build 2023 was a huge success, and Sarah, Veronica and their children will soon have a place to call home.
You can still help us reach our fundraising goal by donating to Women Build today.
About Women Build
The mission of Women Build is to engage women in the effort to provide safe and decent homes for families in need of affordable housing. Women Build in Lee and Hendry Counties has partnered with 27 female-headed families to build strength and stability for their children through local fundraising and volunteer efforts. Click here to learn more.
