200 women pitch in to tackle affordable housing in Calgary
CALGARY, AB, May 4, 2017
Habitat for Humanity Southern Alberta’s Women Build, presented by Excel Homes, officially launched today, offering our community the chance to address the need for affordable housing in Calgary. Over seven days in May, more than 200 women are coming together to raise funds and build Habitat homes in the northeast community of Pineridge.
“Every day, more and more families find themselves in a struggle to keep a safe roof over their heads. We know that one of the most important ways for families to gain stability and independence is for them to own their own homes, and that’s what Women Build is all about,” said Jane Dafoe, Fund Development Director for Habitat for Humanity Southern Alberta.
The fundraising goal of Women Build was to raise $63,000 to put toward the cost of building Habitat homes, and participants have already exceeded this goal, raising more than $75,000 to date. Participants will receive all of the tools, safety training and instruction they need, and whether they’re learning new skills or simply adding a few to their tool belt, Women Build will be a rewarding experience and will improve the communities that we all share.
“This is the second year that Excel has sponsored Habitat for Humanity’s Women Build – and we couldn’t be more pleased,” said Curt Woodhall, VP of Sales and Marketing at Excel Homes. “By participating in this initiative, we’re able to give directly back to our community, while providing a unique opportunity for some of the women in our office who don’t often get the chance to work in the field.”
“After all,” he continues, “we’re in the business of making dreams come true, and this project is a perfect fit.”
Calgary is facing an escalating affordable housing crisis, with more than 4,000 people on the waitlist for social housing. Our city is expensive, and women and children are the populations most likely to be affected by unstable living conditions.
Housing instability has a damaging impact on families and children, affecting financial stability, and both physical and mental health. It pushes families to need other forms of social support, and to make the choice between necessities on a monthly basis.
Affordable homeownership gives families the chance to create a new cycle, one filled with possibilities and progress. It frees families and fosters the skills and confidence they need to invest in themselves and their communities. Children are happier, healthier, more resilient and perform better in school, and families are able to invest in health, education and family life.
