KALAMAZOO TOWNSHIP, Mich. – The pandemic has severely affected Habitat for Humanity.
The organization couldn’t build because the volunteers couldn’t get together. Two years later, they finally came back to it.
About 90 volunteers gathered in Kalamazoo Town on Tuesday to build an annual House for Women Builders organized by Habitat for Humanity.
Alisa Haynor, volunteer at Kalamazoo Valley Habitat for Humanity, said: “Goosebumps, right?
Haynor told FOX 17 this is her first time volunteering with the Kalamazoo Valley Habitat for Humanity.
“In my opinion, it’s just a really good opportunity to be with some other people who may not be as good and take this opportunity to study together, learn with the other girls in the group and have maybe make some new friends,” says Haynor.
Habitat for Humanity hosts Women Build every year, and the chapter has been involved for over a decade.
The CEO of Kalamazoo Valley Habitat for Humanity says the event dates back to the 1990s when women gathered together to help build a home for the organization.
“When we talk about these really well-built, affordable homes, one of the ways that we can do that is with volunteers. to save that labor,” said Rob Oakleaf , said CEO of Kalamazoo Valley Habitat for Humanity.
Oakleaf says the volunteers don’t have to be construction experts. The leaders on the spot will teach them everything they need to know.
“We build new homes, often involved in neighborhood revitalization and urban fill, and then we work with people in about 30 to 60 percent of the area median income, so families cannot access traditional financing to buy a home, but Oakleaf said.
The idea is to make it affordable for people who would benefit from home ownership, and volunteers, like Haynor, say they’re happy to be part of the experience.
“Becoming a part of that and helping them through that process and in that door so they can have a home? I think that’s amazing,” Haynor said.
This year’s Women Build is expected to be completed by the end of 2022. Habitat for Humanity has selected a family to move in.
Kalamazoo Valley Habitat for Humanity says it has built about 200 homes so far.
Click here if you are interested in volunteering or applying for a home.
