By Karen Nitkin
Building homes and revitalizing communities is all in a day’s work for participants in the Habitat for Humanity of the Chesapeake’s Women Build program. The all-female build days are scheduled about once a month and take place in Anne Arundel, Baltimore and Howard counties, as well as Baltimore City, according to Rose
mary Calderalo, chief development officer for Habitat for Humanity of the Chesapeake. Many of the volunteers are women who are intent on improving their own neighborhoods, she says.
Women Build days begin with an 8:30 a.m. orientation and last until about 3:30 p.m. During that time, volunteers might paint, install cabinets or improve landscaping. “You don’t have to be an expert,” says Calderalo. “Just come with an openness to learn and we’ll do the rest.”
The builds sometimes attract as many as 30 volunteers, she says. Most volunteers come on their own, though sometimes a group from a church or community organization will sign up, she says.
Since Women Build began a decade ago, its participants have constructed nine homes and provided repairs and renovations for many more. Many Women Build members serve as ambassadors in their communities as part of Habitat’s leadership planning committees.
The volunteers also raise money. Since it began, Women Build and its 2,000-plus volunteers and partners have raised nearly $50,000, says Calderalo. This in addition to their donations of volunteer labor.
“It’s women coming together, giving their strength and sweat to help impact poverty housing issues.” Rosemary Calderalo
Habitat for Humanity of the Chesapeake completed its 400th house in August.
Habitat Chesapeake was founded in 1982 in Baltimore. It has since merged with Habitats in Anne Arundel and Howard counties, and now serves the greater Baltimore region.
According to the U.S. Conference of Mayors, 65 percent of homeless people with children are female.
