All over the world, millions of people struggle against impossible odds to provide for their families. Either from natural disaster, financial difficulty or simply a lack of aid, more and more people are left homeless every day.
It is easy to recognize these people in some cases, such as the refugees of Hurricane Katrina. But people often overlook the problems they face in their own communities. In Sussex County, two local women are giving it their all to raise an army of volunteers to give these people the second chance they so desperately need.
Since it was founded in the 1970’s, Habitat for Humanity has traveled all over the world, building homes for those who are unable to provide their own shelter. Prospective Habitat homeowners typically have an income that is only 30 to 50 percent of the local standard. To date, more than 250,000 homes have been constructed; touching the lives of more than 1 million people.
In Sussex County alone, they have built 36 homes, housing more than 150 people.
Currently, Karen McGrath and Kathy Goodman are both project leaders for the local chapter of Habitat for Humanity and are spearheading an operation known as “Women Build.”
Many local residents may know Goodman from her work as a Realtor with REMAX, or McGrath from her recent time as executive director of the Bethany-Fenwick Area Chamber of Commerce. Now, together, they will oversee the construction of a home in Concord Village in Seaford – a development consisting entirely of Habitat and Women Build homes.
Women Build is a division of Habitat for Humanity and, as the name implies, it is predominately women who do the work. Heavy labor – such as that involved in construction – is often perceived as a man’s job and, consequently, women are often discouraged from participating or even afraid to give such work their all. That’s one issue Women Build aims to overcome.
“The purpose of Women Build is to empower women,” emphasized Goodman, “to raise awareness and reduce the intimidation of working on a construction site.”
In a Women Build project, almost all aspects of a house’s completion are managed by women, from conceptualization down to the physical act of putting hammer to wood. In the end, “You’ve walked away and accomplished something you wouldn’t normally try,” said Goodman.
In working on a project, women are encouraged to step outside their comfort zone. Habitat provides training sessions, both in advance and on site, and supervises the project – but it’s the volunteers who are the real strength behind the organization, and there are lots of ways to get involved.
Even if someone is uncomfortable working on the construction of a home, there are always ways for people to contribute.
Successful projects require thousands of dollars, and Habitat for Humanity works hard to offset that cost through various fundraising events. They will be hosting a brunch at Dish restaurant in Rehoboth Beach on Sunday, Nov. 2, and will hold another fundraiser at the Roadhouse on Dec. 11. Habitat will also have tables at the Apple-Scrapple and Seawitch festivals.
Habitat provides a “hand up, not a hand out,” McGrath emphasized.
Families are not simply given a home. When a house is constructed, home owners provide a minimal downpayment and then begin purchasing the mortgage from Habitat for Humanity at a 0 interest rate. They are also required to put in a number of “sweat equity” hours – time spent working on their own home and other Habitat houses. Habitat also works with the home owner, providing financial education and credit counseling.
When the project finally comes to a close, the families are ready to enter the next phase of their lives, with a roof over their heads that they can call their own.
McGrath explained the powerful feelings that accompany a Habitat home’s dedication ceremony.
“The concept of making sure people have a safe and clean home – especially as a woman – is very meaningful,” she said. Among both the volunteers and the home owners there is a sense of accomplishment, charity and self-confidence. It is a realization that something amazing has happened.
“You can’t teach that. It’s something that is learned by experience and by looking at someone else. It’s amazing!” said Goodman.
Their current project is set to break ground on Jan. 10, with a hoped-for completion date in June.
To learn more about Habitat for Humanity or Women Build, to volunteer or to make a donation, contact either Kathy Goodman at kgbeach81@aol.com or Karen McGrath at klmcgrath@mchsi.com. More information is also available on the Women Build Web site at www.habitat.org/wb.