Hard Hats And Heels
- charismachatt
- Mar 9, 2015
- 3 min read
Posted by: Rachel Johnson// Photo courtesy: Anna E. Photography
As the daughter of a carpenter, I have grown up with a strong appreciation for the amazing skill trade, construction. My father has built houses from the ground up, and I've often imagined him building my first house one day. *Cue the sappy tears* I've seen his hands become calyced, while his body aches from the physical strain that developed from building a house for someone, better yet a place for families to call home.
I was recently invited to attend an event put on by Bradley County's Habitat for Humanity as part of their Women Build initiative. I know, I know, this isn't Chattanooga-related per say, but the project is incredibly inspiring and it's happening just down the road, so we are able to get involved! Women Build is an initiative that seeks to bring women of all ages and experience levels together to build homes. That's right, ladies, you can learn practical construction skills that have often been labeled for men only. (Where is Emma Watson to back me up?!)
The event that I had the privilege to attend last Saturday night was the kickoff for the Women Build program known as Hard Hats and Heels. (How cute is that name?) The event featured a delicious meal as well as a silent and live auction with prizes modeled by some of the volunteer "hunks." All of the money raised went toward the building projects being constructed by the volunteer women.
Now, onto the soul of this initiative: the families. There are two families who will be moving into these homes once the women finish building them. The Baker family consists of Michael and Christy Baker who currently live in an apartment with their four children. When the family spoke briefly at the event, tears were filling their eyes as they thanked all of the women and expressed how much of a blessing this program was for their family. The other family is the Walker family. Vicki Walker and her two daughters are currently living in an apartment that is too expensive and not in a safe location. When Vicki spoke to us, she said that, "Owning a home is important because it's a sense of ownership, and we've been renting for 30 years." Can you imagine? This family will finally have a home of their own, and it's nothing short of inspirational.
I must admit, it didn't take long for me to see just how cool of a program Habitat for Humanity is developing. Not only will the families be blessed as a result, women (as emotional as we are) can physically come together and build a home from the ground up. *Cranks up Who Run The World? GIRLS*
Want to be involved? The organization is in need of 10 teams made up of 10 women in order to reach their goal of 40 total teams. Each team member pays $50 to be on a team (money going toward the materials) and then participates in a 4-hour build day on the construction site. There are multiple shifts and the build dates go until May 30, so don't delay! If you set a New Year's resolution to try something new or step outside of your comfort zone, this may be the chance for you to do just that. I can't think of a more rewarding resolution.
تعليقات