On a classically dismal late-winter day in Port Townsend, spirits were high off 19th Street, where a team of women worked in the cold drizzle to build a house for one of their peers. East Jefferson …
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Volunteers come out for EJ Habitat for Humanity’s bi-annual Women Build. On a classically dismal late-winter day in Port Townsend, spirits were high off 19th Street, where a team of women worked in the cold drizzle to build a house for one of their peers.
East Jefferson Habitat for Humanity hosted their bi-annual Women Build event last Friday and through the weekend with a mix of partners (those who have been chosen to receive a Habitat house) and volunteers, along with Habitat staff.
More than 60 percent of Habitat partnerships are women-led nationally and over half of their volunteered labor is from women. The organization gathers women twice a year, in the spring and fall, to participate in the Women Build event to honor and empower the women who are integral to the building process.
One of the Jefferson County partners, Miranda, was there helping build. A Port Townsend resident of seven years, she’s a single mother of two daughters, 6 and 7. She’s bundled in warm layers, prepared for anything, and double-masked, like most of the crew.
She spoke about her application process and said, “For [Habitat] to still do what they’re doing even with COVID-19, I just feel extra grateful.”
Miranda had applied previously for a home and wasn’t accepted on the first try. But she didn’t give up and in December of 2021, she learned she had been chosen to receive a home just like the one she was helping build that day.
“For me, it was really intense and I was so grateful,” she said. “It’s just an amazing opportunity and blessing for us.”
When asked what the Women Build means to her, Miranda said, “I think it’s an opportunity for empowerment, empowerment for women to do less traditional roles, empowerment to do things they didn’t think they could do and join together for a great cause.”
Homes like these are all energy star rated, ADA-accessible, and designed for residents to be able to age-in-place. No experience is needed to help build. To learn more about volunteering for builds, visit www.habitatejc.org/women-build/ or email volunteer@habitatejc.org.
Tools, safety equipment, and lunch are provided.
