FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 16, 2019
San Diego Habitat for Humanity
Ellen Immergut | Director of Communications
619-906-4485
ellen.immergut@sandiegohabitat.org
MEDIA RELEASE
San Diego Habitat for Humanity Seeks Volunteers for Women Build Event
The women of the 11th annual event will build homes, community, and hope
SAN DIEGO, CA – Women volunteers from across San Diego County will raise their hammers on a Habitat for Humanity construction site in Logan Heights during several days in the month of May. San Diego Habitat’s 11th Annual Women Build event, generously sponsored by Cox Communications, challenges women to devote at least one day to creating decent, affordable housing in our 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.
Women can create significant change in their neighborhoods by volunteering 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.
San Diego Habitat for Humanity is calling for women to join Cox volunteers and others at its Logan Heights construction site for at least one day during this Women Build event. No prior construction or home improvement experience is necessary. During the 2019 event, Women Builders will contribute their time, talent and treasure to build a home in Logan Heights. In addition to spending at least one day on a job site, participants are asked to raise a minimum of $300 to support the creation of affordable homeownership opportunities.
There are several ways to get involved. Women Builders can sign up individually, form a team, or become a corporate sponsor. Spots are filling quickly, but with three dates to choose from – May 4th, 9th, and 10th – ladies can build a home and also take advantage of the great perks that come along with this unique event, including relaxing, well-deserved massages, and an end-of-day champagne toast!
This is Erica Babcock’s 11th year building with Habitat’s Women Build. “I participate in Women Build because I love to learn new skills and knowing that I played a small part in making someone’s home owning dreams come true is amazing”, she says. “My stepdaughter is the owner/recipient of a Habitat home in Colorado Springs, CO, so I know first-hand how much it means to the families.”
Beige Rivera, an operations supervisor with Cox Business, has served as a Cox volunteer lead for multiple Habitat for Humanity Women Build events over the years. “As a Cox employee volunteer, I’ve seen firsthand how important it is for companies and volunteers to support Habitat for Humanity’s efforts to bring more affordable housing to families throughout San Diego County,” said Rivera. “Habitat for Humanity is making our community better one home at a time, and that’s why I continue to volunteer and recruit others to join me.”
San Diego Habitat is honored to have the support of Cox as our presenting sponsor this year. Cox, a privately-held technology company that has served the communities of San Diego County for over 50 years, established its annual partnership with Habitat for Humanity in 2013, through Cox Charities, the 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 local families. Their donation of $85,000 is helping to make Women Build possible.
Since 2009, Women Build volunteers have built or repaired 15 houses in San Diego County, and raised over $600,000!
“We love Women Build!” said Lori Holt Pfeiler, President/CEO at San Diego Habitat for Humanity. “It’s such a joy to see women from all over San Diego come together to make a difference for hardworking families and to do things they never thought they could. This event brings so much laughter and joy to the build site, and empowers so many women.”
To volunteer or donate to Women Build, please call 619-283-4663, email womenbuild@sandiegohabitat.org or visit www.sandiegohabitat.org.
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, including purchases and donations to the ReStore, Habitat’s discount home improvement retail center. 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 in1898 by Governor James M. Cox.
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