2010 Women Build Project - NWBW/ABWK Update

Pulling up to the job site it looked like there was a huge garage sale taking place at a nearby residence. Cars lined the street and many women were rushing in the same direction. It turned out it wasn’t a sale. Instead, they were rushing to sign-in for the start of their Brush with Kindness adventure. Women from Valspar and Lowes had decided to volunteer a part of their week and help someone in need.

As the festivities began everyone wanted to start the day with a group hug because of the crisp and near freezing temps. Everyone huddled over coffee and pastries as the National Women Build Week/A Brush with Kindness Project Presenters said a few inspiring words to start the event. Sue Haigh, President of Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity, Gwen Leifeld of the Valspar Foundation and Marcy Weber, the Administrative Manager of Lowe’s Plymouth welcomed the bundled up crowd. Then all hearts were warmed as Shirley Posey, the proud homeowner gave all involved a ‘verbal group hug’. She was deeply touched by the large turn out of volunteers at the event.

The task was to paint the entire home in three days and the group of 30 volunteers dove in quickly and immediately the home came to life. As the women worked there was constant chatter and laughter. Some talked about their summer plans, others mentioned their wedding plans or grandchildren mischievous doings. Everyone warmed up fast and soon the many layers of clothing were being discarded.

Women from Lowe’s were scheduled to help out on Friday, but unfortunately it was too stormy for any work to be completed. On the third day of the project, Individuals signed up to help and Buca Di Beppo provided lunch for all the hungry volunteers. It was another chilly day, but the group finished painting the home on three sides. The fourth side needs to have the siding replaced and will be completed before Memorial day so Shirley can have friends and family over to admire her freshly painted home.

This ABWK project was a celebration of National Women Build Week, and made possible from a grant from Lowe’s. The event was only the beginning of many volunteer opportunities at the Twin Cities Women Build 2010.

Lowe's Women Build Construction Clinics started during National Women Build Week and will continue through June 9th. The Plymouth Lowe's store is hosting the clinics which take place on Wednesday nights at 6:30 and are open to the public.

The Summer Women Build Kick-off Event is scheduled for June 7th at 9:00 am. This year we will rehab a home in North Minneapolis. Sign up to volunteer this summer through VolunteerHub, our online registration tool. If you do not see any of the Women Build volunteer opportunities listed, please click on the “Your Account” link at the top right of the page, and enter the Women Build Join Code = WB

Visit our Women Build website at www.tchabitat.org/womenbuild to see photos from our events, learn more about our Women Build Project or make an online donation.

Women Build cannot happen without your support! Help hard-working families own (and preserve) a piece of the American Dream and provide an empowering experience for hundreds of women across the Twin Cities.

Sincerely,

Robin O'Brien
2010 Women Build Committee Member
Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity

Channel 12's interview of Shirley Posey