Fifteen hammer-wielding women from the Women’s College of the University of Denver will help make a father’s dream of homeownership come true on July 9.
The women will participate in a Habitat for Humanity Women Build work day, helping build a home for single dad Rodolfo Reyes and his 3-year-old daughter.
Habitat for Humanity of Metro Denver is a homeownership program dedicated to building affordable homes to low-income families. Women Build is a nationwide Habitat for Humanity program that promotes the involvement of women in the construction of Habitat homes.
The volunteer opportunity was spearheaded by Women’s College Dean Lynn Gangone, who bid on an “Adopt-a-Day for Women Build” sponsorship package at the Colorado Women’s Chamber of Commerce Athena Awards Ceremony on April 30. Other attendees contributed to Gangone’s silent auction bid, ultimately donating more than $2,500 to ensure Women’s College students would have the opportunity to participate on the build. Contributors included Caz Matthews, president of the Wellpoint Foundation.
Tomboy Tools, a Denver-based company selling tools specifically designed for women, donated hammers and tool belts for students to use during the build.
“Our organization is a firm believer in giving back to the community,” says Tomboy Tools CEO Janet Rickstrew. “Habitat for Humanity has a mission of eliminating substandard housing and homelessness worldwide, and we are proud to partner with The Women’s College to help this great organization.”
Students will join Gangone and other Women’s College administrators during the build.
“Our students are very geared towards the community and are eager to contribute to the public good,” says Tiffani Lennon, a Women’s College lecturer in the law and society program. “This opportunity is a natural fit that will help our community and build on our student’s skills and personal experiences.”
The Women’s College will be recognized at the home’s dedication and ribbon cutting ceremony and on Habitat for Humanity of Metro Denver’s Web site at http://www.habitatmetrodenver.org/