Viewpoint

viewpoint Building Homes While Building Community Spirit

Giving back to community is an essential part of many people’s self-care mantra. Whether you’re a savvy and experienced construction professional or just want to pitch in wherever needed, helping to build a home for someone you don’t even know can be such a fulfilling experience. Nothing contributes more to a healthy life than a structurally sound roof over your head, preferably in an affordable home in a safe neighborhood. When you have financial security, you’re better equipped to take care of yourself, your family, and contribute to your community. Indeed, there is ample data to suggest that children perform better in school and parents remain productive members of society when they have a mortgage to pay and property to maintain and protect. That’s the philosophy behind Habitat for Humanity of South Hampton Roads (SHR), one of over 1,400 affiliate organizations of an Atlanta-based nonprofit that began in 1976 and now exists in every state and 69 other countries. There are also 875 Habitat ReStores, including two in South Hampton Roads that accept and sell used furniture, appliances and building materials—with proceeds going back to local Habitat for Humanity projects. Habitat has an amazing story, but the history is nothing compared to the “present” for a significant number of families, many of them led by single mothers that strive for the security that homeownership offers. Yet Habitat doesn’t give homes away. Applicants, like everyone else, must qualify to purchase their homes based on income and be approved for a mortgage with monthly payments geared to their income. They also must attend classes on financial literacy and home maintenance and then once construction begins, contribute 200 hours of sweat equity by

[ by sara jo rubin ]

Helping to build a home for someone you don’t even know can be such a fulfilling experience.

Launched in 1991, Habitat for Humanity’s Women Build initiative focuses on women coming together to build stronger, safer communities. The 3rd annual SHR Women Build event takes place this coming May.

757-321-6688

3102 Holly Road Virginia Beach, VA 23451

AWARD WINNING Contemporary Regional Cuisine

SINCE 2006

Open Table Top 50 Restaurants in the Country “Best Over All” Award www.terrapinvb.com

volunteering on home building sites, including their own. Speaking of construction, there can be none without the dedicated cadre of “Red Hat” supervisors and other volunteers who donate their time, their talents and their hearts toward building everything from the foundations, floors and walls to installing the kitchen cabinets. They even write blessings on the interior structures (at right) to provide encouragement to the future residents. It’s an emotional day when these first-time home buyers receive the keys to their new home. “Red Hats” donate countless hours, but also train novice volunteers. They were vital during Habitat SHR’s Women Build Weeks in 2019 and 2020. Teams of dedicated women pitched in to help construct a house over a one-week period in the spring. includes a sponsorship component. Teams have a fulfilling experience and will receive an official Women Build T-shirt, lunch and swag bag supplied by sponsors. For more information on how to get involved, contact Rainham Rowe at rainham.rowe@shrhabitat.org. Ask how to become a member of either the Women Build Club or the Habitat SHR Young Professionals, formed to support the mission through networking and professional development. There are few opportunities to boost the community and corporate morale better than volunteering through Habitat for Humanity. You get your hands dirty and your soul lifted.

HABITAT FOR HUMANITY OF SOUTH HAMPTON ROADS

The 3rd annual event will take place this coming summer. Habitat SHR seeks companies that are either women-owned or want to engage their women employees in this teambuilding opportunity, which also VIEWPOINT

Sara Jo Rubin is the chief operating officer of Rubin Communications Group, based in Virginia Beach.