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A weeklong local initiative by Coastal Habitat for Humanity on Memorial Drive, held in support of the Annual National Women Build Week, ended Saturday when a group of over 50 volunteers from across the Jersey Shore region came together to construct a new fence and landscape the grounds at the historic Stephen Crane House on Fourth Avenue.

And while the support was aimed at helping one of the community’s most historic structures, the program also brings awareness to affordable housing needs in the region, fosters home construction skills, repairs, and restoration, Coastal Habitat for Humanity Communications & Outreach Coordinator Caelin McCallum said.

“Women have the strength and determination necessary to build Habitat houses, thereby addressing the problem of affordable housing in a concrete way so that families can achieve stability and independence through safe, decent and affordable homes,” McCallum said.

The local program kicked off May 5 with a How-To Clinic at Lowe’s of Howell. On Saturday the women utilized their newly cultivated skills to clear the grounds of deep rooted debris, bricks and tree fragments before digging post holes and constructing the wooden fence, and planting and mulching the front, side, and back yards.  

“Since 1994, Coastal Habitat for Humanity has been uniting strong women volunteers of all experience levels in our community to build or repair homes alongside our hardworking, empowered Habitat homeowners,” Executive Director Heather Schulze said. “[We are] thankful for the consistent support from Lowe’s of Howell for helping make our work and this Women Build possible.”

Schulze said Lowe’s store manager Tim Ansbach, and employees Barbara Macera, and a plant specialist named Lynn were invaluable to the project. Aly Hamilton of Metrolina Greenhouses, through an existing association with Lowe’s, donated the plants, and Asbury Park Roastery also lended support.

“The generosity of our partners helps build stronger communities,” Schulze said.

According to a 2018 national study by Lowe’s and Habitat for Humanity, more than nine-in-10 American women believe providing and advocating for access to affordable housing for women can benefit society.

The survey also found that nearly all women [98 percent] agree access to affordable housing helps women heads of household thrive.

That having a safe, stable home is a source of pride [96 percent] that makes women feel more confident [98 percent] and independent [97 percent].

And that three-in-five [62 percent] women say they cannot afford to purchase a home that meets their family’s needs in the neighborhood where they want to live.

“We know women working together are an unstoppable force for creating meaningful change in our communities,” said Colleen B. Penhall, Lowe’s vice president of corporate social responsibility. “Far too often, low-income families are faced with choosing between paying their housing costs and buying basic necessities like food and medical care to provide for their family.”

Since the national program’s launch in 2008, more than 117,000 women volunteers have helped build or repair homes. This year, Lowe’s donated $2 million to Habitat for Humanity in support of the 2018 National Women Build Week. And, since 2003, Lowe’s has committed over $30 million to Habitat for Humanity International and helped more than 6,500 Habitat families improve their living conditions.

Locally, the Asbury Park-based Coastal Habitat for Humanity has worked since 1994 to help families throughout the southern coastal Monmouth County region fulfill the dream of homeownership through single family home builds, administered neighborhood revitalization programs, and helped individuals and families in need of home repairs and renovations.

For more about Coastal Habitat for Humanity, visit coastalhabitat.org.

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