Women Build 2011 Columbia Heights home weeks 2 & 3

It seems fitting to me that in autumn, a season known for new beginnings (new school year, new sports season, new weather), we’ve started a new Women Build house. Imagine framing the house – normally done while sweating profusely in the hot summer sun – in the crisp, dry air, while the sun is still warm enough for a t-shirt. Of course, it’s not always like that, but we got lucky this year!

I heard that October is supposed to be warmer than average this year, and we need volunteers! Please consider signing up for a day (or two, or more), and spread the word to the other women in your life. Does your employer offer paid volunteer days? Do you have a bunch of paid time off that will go away if you don’t use it by the end of the year? Could you drop the kids off at Grandma’s house for the day and tell them that Mom’s going to do some construction?

Speaking of construction, it’s rolling along on Van Buren Street in Columbia Heights. The exterior is covered in house wrap, the roof is on, and the garage is being built. Inside, you can still see from one end of the house to the other through the stud walls. Progress has been steady thanks to Team Leader days and thanks to individual volunteers who keep coming back, like Shawn, Crystal, and Cindy, who call themselves “Anna’s Angels”. They told me that they love Women Build because it’s fun, it gives them a sense of accomplishment, and because they get more opportunities to perform tasks they may not get to do on a “normal” build. They encouraged everyone – especially those who think they can’t volunteer because they don’t know enough -- to just show up and learn!

Homebuyer Mohamed has been hard at work on his house as well. Last week I found him framing his garage, cordless drill in hand and a look of determination on his face. Building the garage has been his favorite part so far, he told me with a smile. Mohamed and his wife Sihama have 5 young children, who I’m sure are anxiously awaiting the chance to pick out their rooms and play in the back yard.

Big thanks to Week 2 and 3 Team Leaders: Paula Gaboury, SEIU Healthcare Minnesota, Steve’s Gang, Xcel Energy, Hidden Lakes Women Build, and NAWMBA. There are still plenty of days available for Team Leaders, so pull together a crew of your friends, family, and coworkers for a fun and rewarding day of building together.

Of course, our stellar Lunch Providers kept everyone fed and happy: Sally Rutherford, Amie and SEIU Healthcare, Becca Kvasnik with Cecil’s Deli, Kristin Billing with Costco, Dana with Steve’s Gang, Cease with Xcel Energy, Kathy Baer, and Terry Millen with Panera Bread.

Visit these links to sign up to volunteer and view photos:

Be well,

Andrea Cole
2011 Women Build Committee