More than 18,000 women construction volunteers expected to unite nationwide for Habitat, Lowe’s initiative
— For the 11th year, Habitat for Humanity and Lowe’s are engaging women nationwide to work together to build Habitat homes during this year’s National Women Build Week, which takes place May 5 through 13. In preparation for the build week, Habitat for Humanity of Summit County and the home improvement chain are asking women to get involved by signing up to volunteer and build.
On May 10 and 11, local volunteers will help make exterior home repairs for two families in the Middlebury neighborhood in Akron. Interested volunteers are encouraged to contact Volunteer Coordinator Mary Shephard at (330) 745-7734.
National Women Build Week has brought together more than 117,000 all-women construction volunteers to build or repair homes with nearly 5,000 families over the past 10 years. This year, Lowe’s donated nearly $2 million to Habitat for Humanity to support the 2018 National Women Build Week, which is set to take place in 300 communities nationwide.
“We’re excited to partner with Lowe’s to educate, inspire and empower women to advocate and help Habitat homeowners love where they live through building or improving an affordable place they can call home,” said Rochelle Sibbio, president and CEO of Habitat for Humanity of Summit County. “We want to engage women of all skill levels to join their friends, families and neighbors to build up their communities and volunteer where women will gain invaluable skills to bring back and use in their everyday life.”
“Lowe’s is in the business of helping people improve and maintain their homes,” said Colleen Penhall, vice president of Corporate Social Responsibility. “Lowe’s Heroes have helped build hundreds of Habitat homes across the country and National Women Build Week is another chance for Lowe’s to reinforce our long-standing commitment to Habitat, Women Build and communities where our employees and customers live and work.”
Habitat and Lowe’s encourage all women to volunteer: no construction skills or experience in Habitat builds is necessary. To learn more about National Women Build Week, visit Habitat.org/wb.
Since Lowe’s national partnership with Habitat for Humanity began in 2003, the home improvement company has committed more than $63 million to Habitat and helped nearly 6,500 families improve their living conditions.