August 2007

Durham College women's team builds up home ownership dreams for two families

A 10-member Durham College women's team helped transform an old shed into one that looked brand new, all in support of two families that will be moving into two semi-detached homes through Habitat for Humanity's Women Build program.

Outfitted in hard hats and led by Durham College President Leah Myers, a team of amazing women from the college showed spirit, enthusiasm and determination and weren't afraid to get dirty during their participation in a Habitat for Humanity Women Build program.

On Tuesday, July 31 in Cobourg, Ontario, 10 faculty, staff and administration members used power tools, hammered, painted, cleaned and transformed an old shed into one that looked new, all in support of two families that will be moving into two semi-detached homes. Through volunteer labour and donations of money and materials, Habitat for Humanity builds and rehabilitates houses with the help of the homeowner (partner) families. The houses are sold to partner families at no profit and financed with affordable loans.

Accompanying Myers were Kelly Bailey, manager of Employment Development and Wellness; Tara Blackburn, director of Hired Career Services; Carolyn Campbell, manager of Community and Supporter Relations; Rhonda Christian, career and academic counsellor; Liesje de Burger, academic writing specialist; Debbie McKee-Demczyk, senior institutional research analyst; Karen Hodgins, curriculum developer; Deb Kinkaid, director of administrative services for the Facilities and Ancillary department; and Donna McFarlane, vice-president of Communications and Marketing.

"Habitat for Humanity is a wonderful organization," Myers said. "They do really important work in terms of building homes for families and the Women Build program is an excellent opportunity to learn new skills, while simultaneously helping to build a home for a family in need."

Myers noted it was rewarding for the college team to do its part in helping provide families with an opportunity to enjoy the benefits of home ownership. She hopes to one day include students in the experience, and intends to continue Durham College's relationship with Habitat for Humanity.

As president of a college nationally recognized for its instruction of skilled trades, Myers feels the Women Build program is a great example of what women can accomplish in an area that has traditionally been more focused towards men. She encourages young women to consider a career in skilled trades, especially now, with so many job opportunities available in the field.

"As a new employee here at Durham College, the day enabled me to build relationships with colleagues, which I believe provides the foundation for teamwork and success in the workplace," said McKee-Demczyk. "As a woman, it was rewarding to be part of a team of women, productively contributing and demonstrating skills in jobs that are often viewed as men's work."

During the build, members of the Durham College team were paired with experienced supervisors and were given the chance to learn new skills, if they so desired. Campbell said the family members, who give 500 hours of what's referred to as sweat equity, were there to help out too and were so thankful for the work everyone accomplished.

"Everyone at Durham College worked so hard and steadily; everyone was busy doing something at all times," she said. "The day was hot and exhausting, but we had a great time and the supervisors were impressed by the way the team saw what had to be done, and then went to do it."

For Myers, the most memorable part of the day was watching one of the homeowners walk up the steps to her front door for the first time - it was very exciting and moving to see the look on the woman's face.

The event reminded Christian of growing up on a farm.

"It was a perfect example of a community coming together for a cause or purpose," she said. "We seem to have lost that these days, people have become very isolated. It was a great day."

The Women Build program has a history dating back to 1991. A group of women in Charlotte, North Carolina built a home, planting the seeds for the program. In 1997, as part of the Jimmy Carter Work Project, then-U.S. First Lady Hillary Clinton, Kentucky First Lady Libby Jones, and Oklahoma First Lady Cathy Keating participated in a Women Build, and in May 1998, Habitat for Humanity International officially formed the Women Build department.

Women's crews have built nearly 800 Habitat for Humanity homes in 14 countries and the program is growing across international borders.