The 26th Women Build Kickoff will break ground this month. This volunteer service opportunity recruits, trains and empowers women to make a difference in their community by building safe, energy-efficient and affordable homes.
“I have one life and one chance to make it count for something. My faith demands that I do whatever I can, wherever I am, whenever I can, for as long as I can, with whatever I have, to make a difference.”
Jimmy Carter
Habitat Omaha’s Home Repair Program allows local senior to stay in her home. After seeing Habitat Omaha flyers and hearing about them from neighbors, it motivated her to call the organization. Betty was able to qualify for a loan through Habitat Omaha, choose a contractor and move forward to get the work done. Within three days of being approved, contractors were working on the roof.
Amber and her children come home from work, or school, and gravitate towards Marshmallow. The Syrian hamster is one of three pets the family has acquired since becoming Habitat Omaha homeowners. Amber used to live on a land agreement in a cottage, which worked for her as she wanted to renovate and purchase it from the landlord. He, unfortunately, did not seem willing to sell. As Amber’s family grew, the dwelling began to feel smaller.
Under the leadership of Habitat Omaha’s Margie Schill and Benson High’s Thom Sibbitt, the students hauled lumber, read plans and worked with staff to install the green plate on the foundation, the first step in installing wood framing for the five-bedroom home.
An affordable apartment with help from an assistance program had kept her from sleeping on friends’ couches, but didn’t solve all of her problems or help fulfill her goal of becoming a homeowner.
ACCESSbank is celebrating 15 years in business by donating $15,000 to Habitat for Humanity of Omaha through its anniversary campaign. This gift will support Habitat Omaha’s efforts for affordable housing across the metro.
Affordable housing in Omaha has been helped, in part, by three women and numerous women volunteers over nearly three decades. Mona and her “girls”, Norma and Meredith, are one unstoppable team that has contributed thousands of hours to build hundreds of houses to help build a strong community.
Jim Wood’s birthday has morphed into a yearly barn dance community event. He is happy to celebrate for a good cause by keeping the dancing beat on the upright bass.
There is strong evidence indicating that decent, affordable housing reduces chronic disease, lowers stress, diminishes infectious disease and leads to improved physical and mental health. Affordable housing frees up funds within tight family budgets for health care and quality food. To create a healthy community, we must have decent, affordable housing.
