Habitat for Humanity Newark held a wall-raising ceremony on Saturday, March 20, for the Women Build III House, a single family home in Newark’s West Ward. The ceremony was attended by Newark Councilman-at-Large Donald Payne, Jr. and West Ward Councilman Ronald C. Rice, who pledged his continued support for Habitat for Humanity and noted the ongoing cooperation between Habitat Newark and the Municipal Council. Christina Vazquez, from the City of Newark’s Department of Economic & Housing Development complimented Habitat Newark volunteers on the progress of the building and their work ethic.
The ceremony was also attended by approximately 65 Habitat Newark supporters, including a large contingent from Women Build, a group of Habitat Newark volunteers who raised funds for the home and raised the walls of the home to the cheers of those who gathered to watch.
“We’re thrilled to be putting up the latest Women Build house,” said Lynne Blaesser, co-chairperson of the Women Build program. “We want to thank everyone who contributed and we invite all the women out there to join us in finishing the work on this home.”
According to Blaesser, Women Build helps women learn construction skills in an atmosphere where they won’t feel uncomfortable if they don’t have building experience. Beginners
are welcome to develop abilities that may be useful in their own homes and to join with other women to create affordable housing for hard-working, low income families. Seventy percent of Habitat families consist of single women and their children.
More than 300 women have participated in the Women Build initiative of Habitat Newark since it began in 2003.
To volunteer or donate, call Habitat for Humanity, Newark at 973-624-3330 or visit online at www.habitatnewark.org.
For pictures, click here: http://habitatnewark.org/docs/wb_wall_raising_03-26-10.pdf
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