On Thursday, August 4, a crew of nine women from Engelberth put our hard hats to good use volunteering for an incredible cause, Green Mountain Habitat for Humanity’s WOMEN BUILD. The residential jobsite, a duplex, was located in Milton, VT.
When we arrived, we were welcomed and led by their construction supervisor Rick and his “Geezer Team”, who volunteer 100% of their time and have worked on numerous housing projects for GMHFH. We were split into two teams, each working on one side of the duplex. Work on the left unit included finishing up the main floor deck, followed by exterior wall framing. On the right side unit, we worked on framing the remaining exterior walls and nearly completed the interior framing of the main floor. We worked alongside the right side unit owners Annie and Coco, who are required to contribute “sweat equity” hours towards their home. Volunteer labor makes up half of the cost of a house built, along with local partners who provide reduced cost materials and labor.
We were lucky that we got the day in, as the weather forecast was 90 degrees with thunder storms. The sun never popped out thankfully, so it kept the heat down (a little) and the rain didn’t arrive until after we clocked out.
What we came away with was beautiful regardless of the sweat and soreness we ended the day with. We made wonderful memories and new friends. We learned new skills and developed a deeper appreciation for the field laborers who work on our jobsites. We helped a family build their new home. We worked hard and had a great time doing it!
Green Mountain Habitat for Humanity is a non-profit organization that partners with financial donors, community volunteers, and low-income families to build and sell affordable homes in Northwest Vermont. Habitat homebuyers help build their own homes alongside staff and volunteers and pay an affordable mortgage. Through their efforts, 90 local families have built stability, equity, and self-reliance through affordable homeownership.