FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 14, 2021
Media Contact:
Ellen Immergut | Director of Communications
San Diego Habitat for Humanity
619-379-5793 – mobile
ellen.immergut@sandiegohabitat.org
M E D I A R E L E A S E
Women-Led Construction Crews to Build with San Diego Habitat for Humanity
13th Annual Women Build event, presented by Cox Communications, aims to help local families build and buy their own safe, healthy, affordable homes
NATIONAL CITY, CA – San Diego Habitat’s popular Women Build event was canceled in 2020 in the wake of COVID-19, but women volunteers from across San Diego County will once again raise their hammers on Habitat for Humanity construction sites on May 14th, and during several days throughout the month. The 13th annual fundraiser returns in 2021 thanks to the support of Cox Communications, and challenges women to devote at least one day to creating decent, affordable housing in our community.
The past year has brought challenges for us all and shined a light on the fact that the housing crisis is far from diminished. Safe, stable, healthy housing is more important than ever as we strive to keep our communities well during the COVID-19 global pandemic. This year’s event – Women Build On – is a celebration of resilience in our community, as well as a recognition of the fact that our work is far from complete. The annual fundraiser is a significant source of funding that helps San Diego Habitat work toward a community where everyone has a decent place to live.
Women Builders are making a difference all over the county as they work in small groups on new construction job sites in National City and Encinitas, home repair projects in National City, and hands-on shifts at our home improvement ReStores. And for the first time, Habitat is offering an all-new COVID-friendly Adventure Race, where teams compete – either individually or together – in a Habitat-themed, high-energy scavenger hunt. Adventure Racers in this sold-out event will compete across the county the weekend of May 21st.
All participants have committed to raising or or donating funds that directly support the construction and preservation of homes throughout San Diego County. The participants of Women Build On create significant change by volunteering, raising funds, and bringing attention to the fact that homeownership is a pathway to better financial futures, better education, better health, and a more cared-for, connected community.
A safe, stable home is the foundation for the strength, stability, and independence hardworking families need to build better futures. Habitat homeowners invest 250-500 hours of “sweat equity,” working alongside our staff and volunteers to help build their own homes. When construction is complete, they make affordable mortgage payments that are recycled back into the Habitat program to build more homes for more families.
San Diego Habitat is honored to have the support of Cox Communications as our presenting sponsor this year. Cox, a privately held broadband company that has served the communities of San Diego County for nearly 60 years, established its long-standing partnership with Habitat for Humanity in 2013, through Cox Charities, a philanthropic arm of Cox that is funded by employee donations which are matched by the company. Partnering with Habitat for Humanity not only supports affordable housing for families throughout San Diego County, but it also demonstrates Cox’s commitment to veterans and sustainability, which are two of the company’s four primary areas of giving. In the past five years, hundreds of Cox employees have participated in approximately 30 volunteer projects with Habitat for Humanity, including building and repairing homes, and building playhouses for military families. Their donation of $45,000 is helping to make Women Build possible.
Since 2007, Women Build volunteers have built or repaired 16 houses in San Diego County and raised over $1M!
More information about Women Build can be by visiting https://go.sandiegohabitat.org/womenbuild
Media is invited to join us in National City where you will have access to volunteers at the new construction and home repair sites.
MORNING SHOWS: You are welcome to cover the event early – please contact us to make arrangements.
WHEN: Friday, May 14th
8:00am Event Kickoff/Safety Briefing
8:30am Construction Begins
12:00pm Construction Day Ends
WHERE: 405 West 18th Street | National City
About San Diego Habitat for Humanity
San Diego Habitat for Humanity, the local affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International, is a nonprofit organization that builds and repairs homes in partnership with local hardworking families in need of improved housing. For more information, visit www.sandiegohabitat.org or call 619-283-HOME (4663).
About Cox Communications
Cox Communications is committed to creating meaningful moments of human connection through broadband applications and services. The largest private telecom company in America, we proudly serve six million homes and businesses across 18 states. We’re dedicated to empowering others to build a better future and celebrate diverse products, people, suppliers, communities and the characteristics that makes each one unique. Cox Communications is the largest division of Cox Enterprises, a family-owned business founded in 1898 by Governor James M. Cox.
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