'Women Constructing Hope' Goes Vertical with Lt. Governor Roberts

South County Habitat for Humanity (SCHH) embarked on an ambitious construction this past weekend. More than 60 strong women measured, cut, nailed and hoisted the first floor walls on the Women Constructing Hope home. The home, located in Old North Village in Kingston was built primarily by a crew of women volunteers.

Lt. Gov. Elizabeth Roberts and former president and general manager of WJAR-TV Lisa Churchville, honorary co-chairs of the event, were on hand Saturday to help with the Women Constructing Hope weekend build on Oct. 19 and 20.

"I was honored to take part in the Women Constructing Hope weekend build," said Lt. Governor Elizabeth Roberts. "For me, it was a very gratifying experience to join with like-minded women who derive such joy and satisfaction in helping others. Close-knit communities are the backbone of our small state, and caring organizations such as South County Habitat for Humanity make Rhode Island a very special place to live and work." 

The weekend was sponsored by Coventry Lumber, Steven Sullivan Builders, Caldwell and Johnson Builders and the South County Builders Association. Collectively they raised upwards of $5,000 for the weekend build. The next build weekend is Nov. 2 and 3. The Nov. 2 build day will be sponsored by Alex and Ani. 

SCHH is recruiting women for Nov. 3. No construction experience is necessary to participate, just a willingness to learn and to help a family in need. Team leaders will be on-site both weekends to provide training and support to volunteers who may need a bit of help getting started.

The construction will take place on the edge of the URI campus in the Old North Village, a four house Habitat development. Labor will be provided by Habitat volunteer standing crews, National Grid employees, URI Habitat affiliate students, area Veteran’s groups, URI students, corporate partner employees and volunteers from local supporting organizations. The construction is scheduled for the fall of 2013 with occupancy in the early summer of 2014.

Anyone interested in volunteering with SCHH can visit www.southcountyhabitat.org for more information.