NEGAUNEE, Mich. (WZMQ) – A team of women are coming together to build a home in Negaunee.
Habitat for Humanity is holding its annual women build event this week in Negaunee. The event is held in alliance with the Zonta club of Marquette. For Habitat of Humanity teaming up with the club was an easy choice.
“The mission for the women build event is empowering women and that’s what Zonta’s mission is to so it just made sense to try out this partnership,” remarked Deanna Johnson the Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity in Marquette County.
For the next three days a team of all women volunteers will be siding a Habitat for Humanity home. Johnson said siding is a perfect project for the group to work on. It’s easy to see the progress being made and uses a wide variety of skills and tools. While some of the women have experience, most of the volunteers are picking up skills as they go.
“Being able to learn how to do some of the things I have not yet been taught how to do like use a table saw,” said Kaylee Birmann, a volunteer who was working on the home.
Habitat for Humanity also brings in speakers during the event to talk about women empowerment and women in the workforce. The talks are popular and provide lots of useful insight and knowledge to the volunteers but according to Johnson the best part of the day comes during the actual work.
“It’s just the camaraderie, I love it, working with other women, and having the family here on the site is amazing,” added Johnson.
The family is Danielle Narhi and her son, they will purchase the home once it’s completed. Narhi will complete 250 hours of work on them before she takes over ownership. She says seeing women help build her home is inspiring but has other benefits as well.
“You can get to know prominent business people in the community and just other people who are interested in serving the community in general,” commented Narhi.
The women build event will continue for the next two days with volunteers. The goal is to have the home completed and move in ready by Christmas.
Habitat for Humanity is always seeking volunteers for help with projects all around Marquette County for information on how to get involved visit here.
