|
BABES IN BELTS Builds With Habitat for Humanity
In July of 2008 Babes in Belts organized orientations for our local women to attend work days in a housing park being developed by Habitat for Humanity (HFH). Many of our community women had not had the opportunity to learn the construction skills. In preparation for our Shelter Build Program they wanted experience in a non-threatening environment - meaning without men to chide them for their lack of skill and ability. This is a big concern on HFH projects.
Those who were interested volunteered for an HFH "women's build". Below is a photo essay of one day on the job with HFH. We found that men were welcomed too, as there were several houses being constructed in the same development. We had one male Babe join us for the day.
Building with Habitat for Humanity is a great way to learn
how to work with a group and to hone your building skills.
|
We started by nailing the exterior siding to a house previously framed.
|
The
Babes' Habitat Build Program managed by Helene Goslin, Director of Volunteers, got
underway with an Orientation June 11, 2008. Babes volunteers learned the rules
that govern Habitat volunteers and were asked to fill out and sign applicable
forms.
Habitat For Humanity (HFH) has been instrumental in helping Babes in
Belts understand the governing principles and policies when working with
volunteers.
|
|
Our
first build June 13 was in a cul de sac development of 16 homes where all
participants worked on several homes being built for selected families. This
opportunity helped all of our volunteers to hone their building skills.
Here our fearless leader balances on a ladder to nail the top of the siding. Nails had to be 3" apart on all edges of each panel and 6" apart in the middle.
|
 |
 |
Guy was the guy on the job that day. He is a hired site manager that ran four crews starting at 7 AM. We had anticipated meeting Judy, but got a wonderful Guy! Knowledgable, skilled and a gentle teacher.
All
construction stems from basic fundamentals and skills. Here we are learning how to lay out a wall with studs, a door and windows.
|
|
The
Babes Habitat Build is an important project for novice builders who anticipate
working on an insulated concrete form (ICF) structure in the near future.
Lisa straddles a few studs nailing them flush with the outside of the wall and in the correct place. We all learned how to "drop" them loose so we could get it right!
|
 |
|
After hammering up the siding we were ready to pound some framing nails!
|
We can do it!
|
|
Yes, we can do this.
|
All of us can. Just watch...
|
|
ONE
|
TWO
|
|
THREE...
|
It's so easy!
Here Guy nails up the first leg of a triangular brace through the new door opening to steady the standing wall.
|
|
The last nail goes in at the top and the 40 foot wall stands on its own.
|
Preparing to leave we recruit our last "Babe" from his job installing a door stop.
|
|
We gladly put everything away.
|
Habitat For Humanity is
an on-going program home building program that connects people in need with a world of volunteers. You can hone your building skills most anytime, most anywhere. Contact HFH to
learn how you can assist others and yourself building homes for others while you develop skills for the
construction of your safe future.
Want to help Katrina survivors rebuild their lives? Join the St. Bernard Project in Louisiana.
|
Find out more about how Babes in Belts can help you get prepared:
Find Community
Make a Plan
Build a Shelter
Store Food and Water
|
