WHAT: Habitat for Humanity International, Lowe’s and approximately 6,000 women volunteers will unite in more than 235 communities in the United States, India and Canada for International Women Build Week from March 1-8 to highlight the global need for safe and affordable housing. A prelude to International Women’s Day, the global event aims to build and repair nearly 540 homes while raising awareness of housing issues facing women and their families.
Habitat and Lowe’s are providing the tools for women to empower and educate themselves on skills used when repairing and restoring homes. By using the hashtag #BuildHer to share inspirational stories, experiences and ways to positively impact communities, Habitat and Lowe’s are uniting women for a central goal of encouraging and building each other up.
Lowes employees, elected officials and volunteers from Christ Church Fort Lauderdale are invited to join with Habitat Broward at A Rick Case Habitat Community, Habitat’s 77 home build in Pompano Beach to celebrate International Women Build Week. The Project will impact single mothers like Taryn Reis who is a new Habitat Homeowner in A Rick Case Habitat Community. Prior to moving into their Habitat home, Reis and three of her four children resided in a small two-bedroom apartment.
Reis is currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Supervision & Management with a concentration in Project Management at Palm Beach State College. She worked on her home and helped build the homes around her, putting more than 300 hours of sweat equity into her new community. Now, she has an affordable mortgage and a home she and her children can call their own.
WHEN: Saturday, March 7 from 7:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.
WHERE: 1400 NW 6th Avenue Pompano Beach, Florida 33060
VISUAL: Media wishing to interview and/or obtain photos/b-roll please RSVP by 5 p.m. on Friday, March 6 to trena@bitnergroup.com.
DIRECTIONS: The nine-acre site is located at the SW corner of NW 15th St. and NW 6th Ave. adjacent to a high school and church.
INTERVIEW OPPORTUNITIES:
Marcia Barry-Smith, Director of Community Outreach, Government Policy & Advocacy, Habitat Broward
Beverly Perkins, COPB Commissioner—invited
Patricia Williams, Florida State Representative – invited
BACKGROUND: The Lowe’s partnership with Habitat began in 2003; since then, the company has committed more than $71.1 million to support the nonprofit, impacting the lives of Habitat homeowners worldwide. Lowe’s support of Habitat’s Women Build has helped build, renovate or repair more than 5,325 homes with the support of more than 138,000 women volunteers.
Contacts:
Brian Jones, Habitat for Humanity of Broward, (954) 396-3030, ext. 228, Brian@habitatbroward.org
Trena Brae, Bitner Group, (954) 714-7893, Trena@bitnergroup.com
About Habitat for Humanity of Broward
Seeking to put God’s love into action, Habitat for Humanity of Broward brings people together to build homes, communities and hope. Habitat Broward offers a “hand up” not a “hand out” to low to very low-income families who are unable to qualify for conventional financing but are willing to work hard to improve their family’s lives. Key initiatives include empowering partner families through education, resources and support to successfully achieve their personal, academic and professional goals; teaching the youth of future homeowner families the skills and attitudes needed to make better life choices and break the intergenerational cycle of poverty; increasing awareness and educating the community regarding issues related to the affordable housing crisis and what they can do to help; pursuing green building certification for Habitat Broward homes in order to make our design more sustainable and eco-friendly; as well as revitalizing and strengthening the community by building affordable homes throughout Broward County. For more information about Habitat for Humanity of Broward please call (954) 396-3030 or visit our website at www.habitatbroward.org or check us out on Facebook at www.facebook.com/HabitatBroward.
About Lowe’s in the Community
Lowe’s has supported the communities where its associates live and work for more than 70 years. As a FORTUNE®50 home improvement company, Lowe’s is committed to creating safe, affordable housing and helping to develop the next generation of skilled trade experts through nonprofit partnerships. Across every community we serve, Lowe’s associates donate their time and expertise through the Lowe’s Heroes volunteer program. For the latest news, visit Newsroom.Lowes.com or follow @LowesMedia on Twitter.
