About 40 women participated in this year’s International Women Build 2020 event, sponsored by Lowe’s, at 45 Clifton avenue on Sunday afternoon. The event was hosted by Habitat for Humanity as they work with new homeowner Quella Polk on her first home for her and her three children.
International Women Build 2020 helps kick off National Women’s History month, which starts today.
According to the United States Census Bureau information, National Women’s History Month dates back to March 8, 1857, when women working in New York City factories staged a protest over working conditions.
The first Women’s Day celebration in the U.S. was held in New York City in 1909, however, Congress did not establish a National Women’s History Week until 1981. It was held in the second week of March each year. In 1987, Congress expanded the week to a month.
The property at 45 Clifton avenue was an empty field previously and the owner of the land donated it to Habitat for Humanity after moving from the area.
Last summer, Habitat for Humanity held their own Women’s Build event and started building the walls for the home at the Northgate Church parking lot until the property was obtained.
Habitat for Humanity Executive Director Jaylene Smith-Kilner says the community is here supporting each other and Habitat’s mission at Sunday’s Women Build event.
“Women supporting women is phenomenal, says Smith-Kilner. They are lifting each other up and supporting each other.”
A lot of homeowners with Habitat for Humanity are single moms with children. By working along side the construction crew during the building process they can learn a lot about how the home was constructed in case a small repair is needed down the road.
“They have been very patient with me and with the equipment, its been a great experience for me, I’m learning,” says Quella Polk, homeowner.
Habitat for Humanity’s mission is to take God’s love and put it into action, through people to build homes and a community in hope, says Smith- Kilner
“There are a lot of people here, for them to donate their time and volunteer, I am very excited that the community has come together.”
Polk and her three children, Quentin, 17, Devin, 9, and Evette, 3, can’t wait to move in to their new home.
“We will be starting new traditions, this is a blessing, the kids can say that they have a home, a place they were raised at, it’s just memories we can create here and we’re excited , this is just unbelievable for me.”
Each Habitat for Humanity family puts in sweat equity hours into their home. A one adult family puts in 250 hours and a two adult family puts in 500 hours.
“Quella has done a remarkable job,” says Smith-Kilner.
“She has already completed her hours and continues to be here on site working with the core crew. She has been very faithful in completing her hours.”
Habitat for Humanity broke ground at 45 Clifton avenue this past fall, it is their 24th home. The home should be completed and ready for the Polk family in the fall of 2020.
Anyone interested in finding out more about Habitat for Humanity can visit their website. https://www.geneseehabitat.com/