Women Build, 2006
Ten Doors Down from History

Her magazine has published two great articles profiling the project. Read "Building Blocks". Read "Assembly Required". About the Women Build Program The Women Build program was established by Habitat for Humanity International to encourage the involvement of women in the construction of Habitat homes. Women crews have already built more than 800 Habitat for Humanity houses within the United States, and they are now building in more than a dozen other countries. Women Build projects provide an environment in which women can feel comfortable learning skills they might not otherwise have the opportunity to learn. Want to learn more? Visit www.habitat.org/wb

This fall, Flower City Habitat for Humanity is engaging Rochester area women in the creation of another women-built home. The location? Just ten doors down from the Susan B. Anthony house, home for 40 years of social reformer and women's rights campaigner Susan B. Anthony.

The fall 2006 project marks FCHH's fifth women-built home and the third in this historic Rochester neighborhood. Construction at 43 Madison Street will be ongoing from late August through late December.

A steering committee of local women is contributing time and talent for fundraising, publicity and recruitment of women volunteers -- groups individuals, corporate and celebrity women -- to join us "on the build."

History

Once a thriving middle- and working-class 19th century neighborhood centered on an Olmsted designed urban park, the residences in the Susan B. Anthony neighborhood represent an eclectic mix of architectural styles ranging from Greek Revival to Board & Batten.

Although Madison Street (site of Susan B. Anthony House) has seen on-going restoration efforts over the past 20 years, the other streets bounding the park -- North and South Madison Park, and King Street -- are generally characterized by vacant lots, boarded up houses, and deteriorated dwellings. Flower City Habitat has built several homes in the Susan B. Anthony neighborhood, and many more on nearby Brown, Love, Silver, and Taylor Streets.

Flower City Habitat for Humanity was founded in 1984 and has built nearly 150 homes in Rochester, including four women built homes. Staff and volunteers build homes in partnership with homeowners and sponsors. We welcome volunteers 16 years old and up from every social, ethnic, religious and economic background. Women volunteers are needed to help with all phases of the project, and experience with house construction is not required as we provide daily on-site training.

Donate

While Lowe's is a partial sponsor for the project, additional funds must be raised to reach the total $90,000 required. While virtually all of the labor to build our homes is volunteered, donations are needed to cover the cost of building materials, tools, insurance and staff supervision. Click here for Sponsorship Opportunities.

Volunteer

Groups and individuals are needed Tuesday through Saturday during the 4-1/2 month project. Work hours are 9:45-4:00 on Tuesdays, and 8:45-4:00pm on Wednesdays through Saturdays, rain or shine. Volunteers must be at least 16 years old.*

*Some restrictions apply to 16- and 17-year-old volunteers, and a permission form must be signed by a parent.

Only full day volunteering is available. No skill needed, on the job training is provided by a professional supervisor. There is a limit of 6 volunteers per day. Volunteers are asked to perform whatever work is needed. Tasks might include laying foundation block, framing walls, backfilling dirt, landscaping, installing siding, drywall and insulation, building a porch, drywall finishing, etc.

To sign-up, click here to download an Individual Volunteer Form or a Group Volunteer Form (both in PDF format) or contact:
      Diane Walker FCHH Communications Manager
      585-546-1470, x304
      dwalker@rochesterhabitat.org

Future homeowner Nilsa Rivera with her brother Alberto and her 2-year old daughter Nirialyss. Nilsa's fiancée Sam Figueroa is not shown.