Coastal Habitat for Humanity, the local affiliate for Habitat for Humanity International, is sponsoring Women Build, an extraordinary new project that will bring together women from all walks of life to address the problem of substandard housing and its effects on the health and well-being of children.

In the United States alone, more than 12 million children—one out of every six—live in poverty. Women Build challenges and empowers women to address that problem—one house, one family at a time.

The Women Build project seeks to empower women to take action against sub-standard housing conditions. This successful program brings together women from all walks of life to address the housing crisis facing millions across the globe. Through Women Build, volunteers learn new skills and are encouraged to tackle all aspects of construction. At the same time, Women Build supports the advocacy programs of Habitat International by collecting information regarding challenges facing women worldwide, especially in the matter of property rights.

In October 2004, Coastal Habitat for Humanity broke ground on the first ever Women Build house in Monmouth County. Over the following year, a crew—composed mostly of women—built a simple, decent, and affordable home for a family in need.

Nationally, women make up 50 percent of Habitat’s volunteer force, yet often because of lack of training, they account for 15 percent of workers on the construction site. Women Build projects provide an opportunity for women to learn construction in a supportive environment.

In January 2004, Women Build launched a campaign to “raise the funds” necessary to “raise the roof.” Since then, several foundations and local businesses have generously contributed to this project.

Major support for Women Build has been provided by Weichert Realtors, who made a leadership gift of $10,000, and CMM Construction of Manasquan, who volunteered to excavate the foundation. Other major donors include Amboy Bank, Brielle Women’s Club, the CHFH Demolition Committee, Fleet Bank, Hudson City Savings, Lauber Imports, The Mary Owen Borden Foundation, and Sovereign Bank.