Women Build in Buffalo

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Sep 18th 2005, 3:56pm By queenseyes

The latest Women Build project was recently completed, and today marked another milestone for everyone involved on this inspirational project. In four months, 400 determined women have built a simple, decent house for a local mother (photo) and her family. Huge efforts have paid off and many details came together this week. Appliances arrived, landscaping was completed and a great cleanup crew kept busy getting ready for the house dedication, which was today at 2:30.

This latest Women Build 2005 family is headed by Darlene Johnson (photo) and includes her two sons, Durell Harris and Jalin Harmon, ages 19 and 12. Darlene works as a nurseis aide in the hospital at Wende Correctional Facility. Her older son is a full-time student at ITT Technical Institute, from which he will graduate this spring with an associateis degree. Durell also holds a full-time job.

Habitat homeowners must put in 500 hours of isweat equityi before they move into their new homes. After the first 150 hours are completed at other Habitat work sites (new builds and/or rehab houses), the family is added to a list to be considered for a house of their own. Relatives or friends may donate some of the time, but Darlene has personally completed all of hers (over 400 hours so far). Darlene fulfilled the final hours of her commitment working in partnership with the Women Build volunteers to construct her own house.

Women Build has already built 350 houses nationwide. They learn their skills from experts and adapt them when needed to accommodate their particular strengths. Women Build projects actively recruit and train women builders. All aspects of the project are planned and organized by women in the WNY area. Women execute the projects, which include design development, site planning and ultimately construction.

Women Build is sponsored by Habitat for Humanity - Buffalo.

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