HABITAT RULES: There is an incredibly strong link between women and homes. Women are the “gatherers,” the ones who nurture and support the family. This is why we have a passion to support Habitat For Humanity’s mission and eliminate poverty housing worldwide.
HABITAT WOMEN WHO BUILD: Formed in the fall of 2008 by HR expert and longtime Habitat board member Alice Waagen, our group — a growing grassroots effort that works under the umbrella of Habitat for Humanity Northern Virginia — is determined to bring together women from all walks of life to help build the newest Habitat for Humanity of Northern VA project at Maple Ridge in Fairfax, VA.
OUR GOAL: We have grand plans for what we want to accomplish (we are a bunch of determined women, after all). To build a house for a family-in-need, for instance, we need to raise $180,000. That’s a tall order, we realize, our first ambition is to raise $5000 — enough to sponsor one work day. Please help us by making a donation!
OUR PLAN:
Step 1: Create cool artwork / logo. We asked award-winning Northern VA freelance illustrator Michael Gibbs to come up with a fun, creative icon and logo that would help us grow our idea. At holiday time, he presented us with “Habitat Rosie, the Souped-Up Riveter” (pictured here). Mission accomplished!
Step 2: Buttons as fundraiser. — Our friend Stacy Schalk of Zingify promotional products helped us turn the art into funky 3×4-inch buttons that we’re now selling for $5 each (tax deductible). She sent the finished product in early January! Mission accomplished!
Step 3: Outreach! Women’s Groups Welcome — Now, our team of Founding Mothers is working to get the word out. We are reaching out to women’s groups from around the region in hopes that they will purchase our buttons in bulk and share them with all of their members.
NOTE: A donation makes you eligible to participate in our build days.
JOIN US: To have a ball and help this build this wonderful cause, contact our founder, Alice Waagen by email.
FOUNDING MOTHERS: Alice Waagen, Barbara Mitchell, Cornelia Gamlem, Hope Katz Gibbs. Read more about these gals by clicking here.
SPECIAL THANKS TO: Illustrator Michael Gibbs for our artwork / logo, web developer Max Kukoy for his programming genius, and Zingify’s Stacy Schalk who helped provide our fabulous buttons at a very affordable rate! Get yours today by making a donation.
Habitat Northern Virginia has built 50 homes in the last 15 years. Today we have the capacity to build many single-family homes, town homes, or duplexes in a year, and will soon incorporate condominiums thanks to our volunteers and sponsors. We have grown to an affiliate with 13 staff members and a strong Board of Directors.
At Habitat, volunteers continue to inspire us and our sponsors ensure that we can build more affordable homes for the Northern Virginia community. If you have ever thought about volunteering your time or making a tax-deductible contribution, now is a great time.
A Habitat home is a dream come true! When you work on a Habitat house, you’ll probably meet the people who will make it their home. This is because Habitat homeowners are required to invest 300 to 500 hours of “sweat equity” helping build their home. And their no interest mortgage payments are recycled to build more Habitat houses.
Habitat welcomes individuals of all faiths to participate in its mission. There is no discrimination based on religion, race, gender or age for any activities associated with this program. All recipients of housing are selected based upon need without regard to race or religious preference.
We believe you’ll find involvement with Habitat for Humanity of Northern Virginia a deeply satisfying experience. Thank you for your interest in helping us build homes and realize dreams in Northern Virginia.
As of early February, we have raised nearly $1000 — not bad for only launching this idea a month ago.
Donors to date include:
Steve Barrett, photographer, in honor of his client Military Officer Magazine Art Dept.
Hope Gibbs — holiday gift on behalf of her clients at Inkandescent Public Relations
Cornelia Gamlem
Alice K. Waagen
In-Kind Donations:
Max Kukoy, website design and development
Michael Gibbs, illustration and design for logo
Note: When you make a donation, we’ll be happy to add you and your company to our list! We’ll also be posting press releases and blog mentions of all of our donors (who don’t want to remain anonymous). And, when you donate you’ll be eligible to participate in our first Build Day this spring. Stay tuned!
OUR GOAL We have grand plans for what we want to accomplish (we are a bunch of determined women, after all). To build a house for a family-in-need, for instance, we need to raise $180,000. That’s a tall order, we realize, our first ambition is to raise $5000 — enough to sponsor one work day. Please help us by making a donation!
TO DONATE DIRECTLY THROUGH OUR SECURE HABITAT WEBSITE click here.
DONATE BY MAIL
Habitat for Humanity of Northern Virginia
4451 First Place South
Arlington, VA 22204
Mention: Habitat Women Who Build
(703) 521-9890 ext. 100
Please make checks payable to Habitat for Humanity of Northern Virginia.
Your donation is tax-deductible, and you will be mailed a receipt for tax purposes.
OUR GIFT TO YOU For every $50 you donate we’ll send you five Women Who Build buttons. They are 2×3 inches and look great attached to a overcoat lapel, handbag or briefcase. We’ll take care of the postage, just send your mailing address directly to our director, Alice Waagen.
FUNDRAISERS We are also excited about several fundraising ideas that have been suggested — including a Fun Run and a Fashion Show. We’ll keep you posted on details, and do hope you’ll join us in raising money for this incredibly good cause!
OTHER IDEAS FROM HABITAT
Individuals — A group, family or individual can simply donate what they can afford to help ensure that every hard working family in Northern Virginia has a decent place to live. Contributions from individuals comprise a large portion of Habitat’s annual operating and construction budgets.
Donate Stocks Call or email Lisa Boccia at 703-521-9890 ×103 for routing instructions. Your donation is tax-deductible, and you will be mailed a receipt for tax purposes.
Donate Your Car Your car donation can help a family in your community build a house, and the hope of a better life! Learn more.
Give through Your Workplace Many individuals choose to support us through work place giving campaigns. Habitat for Humanity of Northern Virginia participates in the United Way of the National Capital Area, the Combined Federal Campaign, the Commonwealth of Virginia Campaign and multiple corporate work place giving campaigns. To learn more about making a workplace contribution, contact your human resources department and ask about workplace giving. Be sure to include our participant number 8319 on your pledge form. Habitat is eager to show what we do, who we serve, and how volunteers can become involved by participating in workplace fairs. To arrange for Habitat to be represented at a fair please contact the Development office at 703-521-9890.
Become a Partner We build houses in partnership with individuals, corporations, civic organizations, associations, and faith-based groups from throughout the community. Funds may be designated for full or partial house sponsorships, land acquisition, or general operating support. Our affiliate facilitates partnerships between groups who wish to co-sponsor a house. To learn more or to become a partner, please contact us at (703) 521-9890!
Join Carpenter’s Club The Carpenter’s Club is a group of Habitat supporters who pledge to make monthly contributions to support the work of Habitat of Northern Virginia at a level that suits their budget. Learn more about the benefits of membership in the Carpenter’s Club and make a pledge today!
Become a Dream Builder The Dream Builders are extraordinary donors who make multi-year pledges to support the work of Habitat. These donors help to build the dream for a child, a family or a community. Learn more about the benefits of becoming a Dream Builder and make a pledge today!
