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

Starting in fall of 2006, Flower City Habitat for Humanity invited Rochester area women to contribute to the creation of another all women-build Habitat home. And what a perfect location...just ten doors down from the historic Susan B. Anthony house, home for 40 years to social reformer and women's rights campaigner Susan B. Anthony!

The project marked FCHH's fifth women-built home and the third in this historic Rochester neighborhood. Construction at 43 Madison Street took place from August through December.

A steering committee of local women donated both time and talent to 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.

Donate

While Lowe's is a partial sponsor for Women Build projects, 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.

Volunteer

women are welcome to volunteer, with or without skills. Volunteers must be at least 16 years old* to work a full day, Tuesday - Saturday, 8:45-4:00. Only have one day to offer? that's great, we'll do our best to make it a wonderful, memorable and worthwhile experience for you.

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

To request volunteer information, please specify if you are a group or an individual and 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.