FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 7, 2024
Contact:
Devonna Almagro | Director of Communications
(619) 283-4663 x125
devonna.almagro@sandiegohabitat.org
Media Release
San Diego Habitat for Humanity’s 16th Annual Women Build Event Mobilizes Volunteers and Ignites Community Action
San Diego, CA — On Friday, May 3, San Diego Habitat for Humanity proudly hosted its 16th Annual Women Build event, bringing together over 170 volunteers from across San Diego County in support of affordable housing initiatives. Generously sponsored by Appfolio, Banc of California, Onyx Construction, Marriott Worldwide Business Councils San Diego, C.W. Driver, Erickson-Hall Construction, and The Original Pink Box, this event underscored the power of community collaboration.
Women Build, a cornerstone of Habitat for Humanity’s national initiative, empowers women to take a leading role in building stronger, safer neighborhoods by championing the creation of affordable homeownership opportunities. This event serves as a platform for all Women Build participants to enact significant change, raising awareness of the transformative power of homeownership in fostering better financial futures, education, health, and community connection.
Kwofi Reed, CEO of San Diego Habitat for Humanity, expressed the organization’s commitment to its mission: “At San Diego Habitat, we believe that everyone deserves a place to call home. Women Build exemplifies the power of collective action and today, we celebrate the strength and dedication of our volunteers who are driving positive change in our community. This year, through their shared efforts, they are not only helping build the foundations for 28 new homes to be constructed in the future, but also building hope and opportunity for working families across our region.”
During the event, volunteer builders focused their efforts on restoring the safety and stability of a Logan Heights duplex, which suffered damage from recent flooding during January’s rainstorms. The project entailed critical repairs to the property’s exterior, including the replacement of deteriorating fencing and the implementation of drought and flood-resistant landscaping. Simultaneously, 11 teams participated in a first-ever playhouse build competition, with each creation to be donated to local families and nonprofit partners serving children and families in need, such as the Make-A-Wish Foundation and The Chicano Federation. All the attendees served as judges for this friendly competition, where the innovative designs and craftsmanship of each playhouse were evaluated. Ultimately, the competition winner was Onyx Construction, whose exceptional work stood out among the impressive entries. The event, which brought in over $100,000 raised through sponsors and volunteers, culminated with San Diego Habitat for Humanity honoring Luda Safransky with the Women Builder of the Year Award for her 8 years of participating in the annual event and bringing together over three dozen builders.
Since its inception, Women Build has mobilized over 2,300 volunteers to construct or renovate 65 homes across San Diego County, while also raising more than $1.2 million in support of affordable homeownership initiatives.
About San Diego Habitat for Humanity
People in our community partner with San Diego Habitat for Humanity to build or improve a place they can call home. Habitat homeowners build their homes alongside volunteers and pay an affordable mortgage. With our help, Habitat homeowners achieve the strength, stability, and independence they need to build a better life for themselves and their families.
Habitat for Humanity exists through volunteer labor and contributions of money, land, and materials. For more information, visit www.sandiegohabitat.org or call 619-283-HOME (4663).
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