Women Build Words to YOU



August 31, 2011

Dear You

     As the summer winds down, so does my time building ‘the house’. It has been a most rewarding experience and one I would repeat again if given the opportunity. Most of the women I worked with, signed up wondering if they had what it takes to build a house. In fact, one lady I worked with scoped out the hardware stores on her way to the site in case she broke something and had to quickly dash out on her lunch hour to replace it! I met so many wonderful people, developed some new skills  and learned a lot about Habitat for Humanity                 

     During my time ‘on site’, I saw many postitive qualities emerge from the people I worked with. Humour was a big one and got us through many frustrating situations. I saw great patience from the site supervisor who each day saw a brand new crew of women and had to break down each task into manageable chunks and then explain it all over again in a different way when she saw that we really didn’t know what she was talking about. It reminded me of getting a brand new Grade 1 class each and every day. Yikes!!  I saw perseverence from women who were bound and determined to ‘get it done’ no matter what. I saw courage from women who conquered their fear of heights (well, maybe not conquered) and climbed ladders they probably didn’t want to climb but did because they were so focussed on the task at hand. But mostly, I saw love. The community came together to support Kiran and her two daughters and give them a house to make into a home. Each day lunch was provided by businesses in our community and they were fantastic!  It wasn’t all work either. We had massages, yoga and tai chi lessons from people who volunteered their time for us, the workers.                                   

                           

Your support helped make all this possible. Your gift helped  buy (just for an example):

$25.00 = a bundle of roof shingles

$50.00 = 50lb box of nails (and we use a LOT!)

$100.00 = 2 interior doors

So, I want to THANK  YOU once again for supporting me in this project. I never in a million years thought I would need to know how to build and ‘un-build’ scaffolding or a bulkhead. Right now, the drywall is being installed and it is beginning to look more and more like a house. I asked Sharon our supervisor the other day if Kiran was getting excited and she said she didn’t think her smile could get any bigger. So on behalf of Kiran, her daughters and myself, I want to say thank you, thank you, thank you!!

Day 55 (Goal to be finished by end of October) 

Why Adopt-A-Week or Day

The Habitat for Humanity Wellington County Adopt-A-Day and Adopt-A-Week programs have garnered recent buzz in the community. Organization from across Guelph & Wellington County have expressed interest in adopting our build site for a day or week in order to capitalize on the ultimate team-building experience.

In fact we'd like to congratulate Tim Horton's Distribution in Guelph for becoming the FIRST Adopt-A-Week participants! They worked extremely hard to fundraise the $5,000 and even though their organization is going through a difficult transition period, they are enjoying the fruits of their labour on-site for the week of September 26th. The best thing about it, in a few months, our Partner Family will be enjoying a brand new home because of the dedication of ALL our Adopt-A-Day/Week teams!

That said, there are still plenty of opportunities to adopt the 28 Huron St. site before completion in January. If fundraising the $1,500 or $5,000 is a significant road block, don't worry, the staff of Habitat Wellington County has plenty of ideas! So gather the troops and join us on site this year or next year and also join the following fabulous Adopt-A-Day/Week teams:

• RNAO/ONA
• Terra View
• Maxxam
• Cascade Canada
• Tim Horton's Distribution TDL
• RBC
• RLB
• Smith Valeriote
• RWDI
• OSSTF - Educational Assistants
• Accu-Link Call Centres

In fact, here are some inspirational words from an RWDI team member...

Saturday, September 17, 2011

It was a rainy day... no sorry, that's a different story!

The setting:  The temperature is 4 degrees, and we're dressed in layers.  It's 8:00 am and we're on our first cup of morning coffee/tea.  We arrive at the partially built duplex on Huron Street, and meet our build leader John for the first time.  He is an experienced framer, and we learn by the end of the day - a very patient man :o)

The foundation is poured, and the outside walls are already up.  We've been told we will be framing interior walls - whatever that means!

We gear up - donning our Habitat for Humanity T-shirts, tool belts, work boots and hard hats - we're stylin' now!  Oh gee Mr. Soligo, there's only a Pink Women's large t-shirt left over, you'll have to wear that - the early male birds got the white ones!  You get to be in our girl's club!

And so the learning begins:  John (Build Leader) explained the safety basics to us; then we dove right in to learning how to frame a house - exciting!  Who knew Xiangdong Du was a master at all things tool related!  Picture this:  Tim the Tool Man Taylor saying More Power!  Then insert Xiangdong Du's face instead of Tim's - he was the tool master for the day!

We framed the long interior wall between the two homes, with ease.  We were learning quickly, and understood the why's and how's of this fine trade.  Now with that being said - add 6 to 8 engineers to the mix - and you've got straight lines, down to the millimeter! 

The sun decided to join us around 11:00 am and the layers of clothing began to be shed, we were getting down to just our t-shirts now; working hard, and having fun.  Lunch was provided by the HFH group:  Topper's Pizza, fruit, cookies and drinks.  Melissa did a Tim Horton's run so we could get ready for the second half of our 8 hour shift.

Next we added the walls for the garages on each of the houses - we were motoring (or framing?)!  There was no stopping us now!  Not only did the coffee and lunch fuel us, but just knowing we were helping to build not just one, but two homes for 2 families in Guelph, our city, our community!  And there's not much that can top that feeling.

The pictures (which can be seen under the pictures library) tell their own stories - of concentration, learning, and fun!  Enjoy and please do come out for the next RWDI Build Day with Habitat for Humanity!  It's an awesome , fun, team building experience, and you get to help someone else in the process!

Habitat Team, Fall 2011

Melissa Annett
Xiangdong Du
Claire Finoro
Tammy Gazzola
Mike Kennedy
Kat Klaassen (daughter of Peter Klaassen)
Johnny Lepage (son of Mike Lepage)
Mike Lepage
Mike & Rose Soligo
Rob Tonin
Ujjwal Verma

Bagot St. Retrospective

Construction of semi-detached home at 133 & 135 Bagot St. began on August 30th, 2010. The home was built for two deserving and grateful families, the McParland family and Blair family. Through the dedication of our committed volunteers, accumulating many build hours and eating several delicious A&W/Boston Pizza/Zen Gardens sponsored lunches, we were able to move our respective families into their homes for the holiday season.

This would also be the inaugural project of Women Build. The Women Build team displayed perseverance after their initial lot at 439 York Rd. (their current build site) was delayed until 2011. They bonded as a unit and joined general build volunteers to complete the beautiful Bagot St. homes. Despite the fork in the road the Women Builders proved, "They'd rather build it than clean it".

The McParland and Blair families are another story. They were as committed and passionate as any partner family could be! Those volunteers that worked on the Bagot St. homes became extremely familiar with Travis, Cate and Heather over the sixteen-week period. Many of our volunteers gushed over the gratefulness exemplified by Travis as he thanked every single volunteer at the end each work day he participated.
Heather, the recipient of the Women Build home, developed a strong relationship with the Women Builders that she built alongside.

One year later, we've started our recent build at 28 Huron St. We hope by this time in 2012 we can share similar stories of the committed volunteers, wonderful families and generous sponsors (Whirlpool Canada)!

Thank you Guelph!

Women Builders Blogging!

Hey there,

Just a little update on the house. I volunteered for the build on Saturday and had a blast again as usual! I hadn't been on site in a while and the house looked amazing! It's really starting to feel like home and it's nice when you can see that all the odd jobs you're doing are really making an impact.

It's amazing how much goes into a building a house and working on the build for a day really makes you understand where the expression "blood, sweat and tears" comes from, however all the build volunteers are amazing and we usually know a lot about each other at the end of the day.

When I began the build, I was really nervous because I'm not handy at all. I'm quite the whirlwind of activity and my attempts at home improvement consist of hanging pictures by eyeball! When I told my friends and family I was going to volunteer this year, they were very surprised and many were worried for my safety, however I am living proof that anyone can join the build and have a blast! My first day on the build I was using a sledgehammer and a table saw and having a blast. In fact, I liked the table saw so much I did all the cuts all day! The nice thing about Habitat is that there is a mix of experience and a lot of patience. You learn some awesome (and handy) skills while volunteering. So, if you're a klutz like me, don't be afraid to come out and do some good for someone else.

Speaking of which, I had the chance to speak to the homeowner on Saturday and she told me her girls were so excited to have their own rooms. That was the only thanks I needed!

2011 My Neighbour's Home - A Whirlpool Canada Production

Well Guelph, it's that time again for Habitat for Humanity Wellington County. We are asking all our volunteers to dust off their steel toe boats and shine up their hammers because another build is right around the corner. That corner being at Elizabeth St. and Huron St.

The 2011 My Neighbour's Home project will be at 28 Huron St. This will be a semi-detached home build that will be starting in the next couple weeks (as of August 15th). By the end of the year, we'll hand over keys to TWO families in the hope of a brighter future.

With that said, this home build would not be possible without the generous donation of Whirlpool Canada. Whirlpool donates an energy efficient refrigerator and range stove to every Habitat home build throughout North America in combination to the Habitat for Humanity home they sponsor in Canada every year. In fact, Guelph is not an unfamiliar community to Whirlpool Canada as this will be their 3rd, yes THIRD Habitat sponsored home built in Guelph. Their first project in Guelph on Morris St. was in 2007 with the second being two years later on Johnston St. in 2009. The appliance manufacturing juggernaut doesn't stop their involvement at the cutting of a cheque, similar to their previous home sponsoring endeavours, Whirlpool Canada will be contributing a volunteer army to the build site. In fact, because Whirlpool Canada is celebrating their 100th Anniversary, their committed to compiling their largest volunteer task force to date; 200 Whirlpool Canada employees will be volunteering for this home project.

Another significant sponsor of this semi-detached home is the Kortright Presbyterian Church. Their significant contribution also makes this home build a reality rather than a pipedream. The Kortright Presbyterian Church led by Senior Minister Alex MacLeod. Irene Light is the Chair of this Faith Build Committee. Check out our Volunteer Hub on volunteer shifts that are available or how your congregation can get involved.

General volunteer shifts will be open to the public at the end of September (after the Whirlpool Canada volunteer army is done kicking butt!), with the exception of some weekends through September that are open. Check out all the available shifts and register (if you're not a registered volunteer yet) right here! It's promising to be an interesting project with several organizations throughout the community extremely interested in getting out of the office and getting into framing, roofing and drywalling. Our Adopt-A-Week/Day programs allows you to do just that! If you are considering a team building exercise for your staff, fellow colleagues or clients, this experience will knock your socks off! It's also a great idea for birthday parties and celebrations!

Fundraising the amounts of the Adopt-A-Week/Day are easy! Utilize our online fundraising software and use Facebook to your advantage. Or, you could run a 3rd party fundraiser at your factory/office/home. Weeks and Days are being filled up as this is typed but you still have time to get your squad in for a week or day. One simple email and we'll get you booked! Here are some teams ready to kick some butt on site:

• Tim Horton's Distribution Group
• OSSTFEA
• Smith Valeriote Law Firm LLP
• Maxxam
• RWDI

You can be part of the 2011 My Neighbour's Home, it's something you don't want to miss!

My Neighbour's Home Fundraising

Support HFHWC & Whirlpool Canada My Neighbour's Home 2011 Project in Guelph

Words from Women Builders

A couple of months ago I reluctantly joined Habitat for Humanity Women Build. I say reluctantly, as the most hammering I ever did before this was putting a nail in the wall to hang a picture, and usually the nail came out & the picture fell. 

I soon realized I was not alone as many of the Habitat volunteers are unskilled. Skill building workshops were soon up and running.  Last night Rona Building Centre opened their doors to us, and Stewart  Carter (Construction) gave up his evening  to give us hands on experience on how to drywall.  He was informative, witty, and a great teacher. The staff at Rona were there to help with any materials we needed, and we all left with a pink rose. On the work site, lunches are provided by various restaurants as well as some very generous people and the site supervisor is one of the most patient people I know. I want to say “Kudos” to everyone involved in this fantastic venture.  Thank you, thank you, thank you. If you want to expand your horizons, work together for a great cause and meet some fabulous people, you should give a “Habitat Build” a try!

Marlene MacNevin                                                                                                                                                                      

 Habitat for Humanity Women Build Volunteer

marlene macnevin

When you come to the end of your rope, tie a knot and hang on.  ~Franklin D. Roosevelt

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The house that women built

I have spent vacations doing biggish jobs around my house, and I’ve spent vacations actually vacationing. This year I booked off eight Wednesdays in June and July and spent them at 439 York Rd. building a home through Habitat for Humanity’s Women Build.
I completed my last day last Wednesday. Sniff.
It’s always sad to see the end of a holiday, and while I can’t say building a house is the same as floating on a lake, it’s been rejuvenating nonetheless.

A project like this has a lot of appeal for me. As a homeowner, it helps to know how to do minor repairs, and through building this home I’ve had plenty of practice with hammers and nails ... and nail removers. I also better understand the concepts of level, square and plumb and how to achieve them.
I’ve had my share of being told I can’t and I don’t know how. So it’s nice to be able to say yes I can, and I do know how.

As well, I know I’ve been blessed with some lucky breaks in my life, and it is time to deposit some goodwill in the karma bank again. A family will get a home and an affordable mortgage through this project. I’m delighted to be able to help.

My first shift was the second day of the build and we started in the basement installing ledger boards around the top edge of the basement walls. In subsequent weeks we installed the joists and subfloor for the first floor, then the walls, and then repeated the process on the second floor.
How thrilling it was to put up the walls, especially on the second floor on the windiest of days. “Does this house make me look fat?” I asked as we poked our heads through the front window.
I was there for some of the roof work, too. I’m not so keen on heights and steered clear of the really high work that required wearing safety harnesses. I’ll never forget Ashley and Ingrid though, as they danced across the highest beam, nailing the trusses into place. Like tightrope artists, it was beautiful to see. And a little queasy-making too, even from my perch on the relative security of scaffolding.
Oh, and I’ve learned how to put up scaffolding. And take it down. And move it. And put it back up again.
There’s a lot of repetition with building a house.
There’s also been some weather — one cold day, where volunteer builders were looking for tea and coffee at break time — and the rest of them hot. Some very hot, some very humid, and one record-breaking hot and humid day.

My last day fell during Bring a Friend week so I brought one of my daughters and we worked together siding the back of the house. It was a great mother-daughter day and a fine way to wrap up my summer vacation.
I salute project manager Sharon Lewis, who is guiding the volunteer builders through each and every job. Every day a new set of women comes on site eager to get to work. Sharon is a master at harnessing their energy and honing new skills in her workers. She’s been patient, thorough, encouraging and good-humoured through it all.

The Women Build project is a little different from other Habitat for Humanity builds. Lunches are donated by local restaurants and grocery stores and they have been delicious and most welcome. Some days there are armchair massages, mini yoga or Pilates sessions to soothe our sore muscles.
Participants can also take the free skills building workshops that are offered. The last one was on drywalling: hanging, taping and filling. More of them will be organized as the work in the house becomes more specialized. No skills are required however, and the workshops are not mandatory.

Women Builders are being asked to do some fundraising since not all materials are donated. Raise $150 minimum and get three days on the site; commit to eight days of building for a $25 donation; or just sign on for fundraising if building is not in the cards for you. Every two weeks there will be a draw for incentive prizes for volunteers who raise more than the minimum.
Building takes place from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesdays through Saturdays and we’re hoping to complete the project and hand over the keys in October.

More information is available at http://www.guelphwomenbuild.ca/ or http://www.habitatwellington.on.ca/
I’ll probably go back. I want to learn how to install kitchen cupboards, and since I’ve taken the drywall workshop, it would be nice to practise what I’ve learned.
I’m still hoping for some R&R, and floating on a lake still sounds refreshing. But I’ve never had a vacation that’s been as fulfilling.