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Author: Jadeyn Sjaarda

The First National Bank in Sioux Falls logo
Women Build 20022 is presented by The First National Bank in Sioux Falls.

Women coming together September 15-17

Affordable housing issues affect everyone, but they are more likely to affect women and their children. That’s why Habitat for Humanity of Greater Sioux Falls hosts a Women Build Day every year. The event brings women together to build, learn and empower each other as they work together to positively impact our community.

Expanded dates in 2022

Due to the success of last year’s event, there will be three days to participate in 2022 with multiple shifts available. A $10 registration fee will be required when you sign up which guarantees your spot and includes lunch and your 2022 Women Build t-shirt. Building will take place Thursday, Friday, and Saturday at 3239 N. Americus Circle, Sioux Falls.

No experience required

No matter your skill or fitness level, we know that you can make a difference for families in our community. We will help you find a team to work with and teach you what you need to know. (Many participants learn valuable DIY skills for their own home projects.) If you need any specific accommodations, please ask us!

At Habitat we have the unique ability to provide hands-on learning. Given these tools, women can succeed in changing their communities. Join us!

photo 1: two women smile while wearing women build t-shirtsphoto 2: a group of women wearing women build t-shirts lift a board over their heads

Frequently Asked Questions

Where will we build? What are we building?

We will be building in Millard Acres, a Habitat for Humanity affordable housing development in northeast Sioux Falls. There will be 3 twin homes under construction, so tasks will vary. We have been promised by our construction team that there will be no dirt packers involved this year! We apologize if you were looking forward to operating them, but we know that you will have fun with what we have planned.

Can groups participate?

Yes! Volunteering together is a great opportunity to build strength with other women in your life. Work groups, friends, families or any other organizations can sign up together online. Contact us if you’d like a group of more than 5 to work together. Due to safety regulations, we do need volunteers to be at least 16 years old to participate.

Can children volunteer?

Due to safety regulations, we do need volunteers to be at least 16 years old to participate. It is a great opportunity for older youth groups though!

What should I wear?

We recommend dressing comfortably and wearing something that can get dirty. No open-toed shoes, sandals or baggy clothing that could get caught in a power tool. We’ll provide safety equipment on site but watch this video to get a better idea of what to wear.

Are men allowed?

Yes, men are welcome and will likely be present as a future homeowner or one of our training staff. Women Build provides a place for women to learn the skills needed to build a home, but that does not exclude men from participating.

Why is Habitat charging a fee to register?

The cost of construction materials continues to rise which makes it more difficult to provide affordable housing options for hardworking local families. The First National Bank in Sioux Falls generously sponsored this event by providing food, t-shirts and covering the cost of the construction materials utilized. The funds raised through registration fees for this event will be used to help cover the costs of additional materials for the completion of a home in Millard Acres for a Habitat homebuyer.

Thank you to the nearly 100 people who volunteered for the 2021 Fall Women Build Event!

Women Build in the news

We look forward to the next Women Build event, but don’t wait until then to volunteer. Sign up today for one of Habitat’s many volunteer opportunities!

Coming together to build stronger, safer communities

Since 1991, Women Build volunteers from all walks of life have come together to build stronger, safer communities.

Our neighborhoods are comprised largely of women and children, and they are also the populations most likely to be affected by poor living conditions. Our Women Build events provide the opportunity for women to take a proactive step in serving their communities.

No experience necessary

No experience is necessary to make an impact with Women Build. Volunteers work under the guidance of construction professionals, alongside other volunteers and future Habitat homeowners. Whether you are learning new skills or simply adding a few to your tool belt, this is a rewarding experience for all involved and improves the community that you share.

Ready to build with us?

Bring your company, team or organization together to empower women to change their communities through Women Build. No experience is necessary. We’ll give you the tools, skills and guidance you and your team need to make an impact! You can also contribute to the Women Build program by making a donation.

Habitat for Humanity of Greater Sioux Falls (Habitat) and Southeast Technical College (STC) kicked off a new partnership Tuesday, Sept. 14, 2021, at 1 p.m., at 509 N. Daisy Ave. The partnership will address the need for quality, affordable housing options in the Sioux Falls area, while providing invaluable, hands-on learning opportunities for students in STC’s Industrial Technology programs. STC students will develop their skills while helping to build a new Habitat home.

“Affordable housing and workforce development are two of the largest issues facing our community. This collaboration highlights how organizations working together can create and implement innovative solutions to address needs we have in the Sioux Falls area while positively impacting local students, industry and families.”

– Rocky Welker, executive director, Habitat for Humanity of Greater Sioux Falls
people smiling before signing a board
Habitat for Humanity and STC Partnership Kickoff – From left, Paul Johnson, Habitat for Humanity Construction Manager; Robert Griggs, STC President; Rick Kiley, Sioux Falls City Council; Sheila Hoff, Habitat for Humanity Board President; Rocky Welker, Habitat for Humanity Executive Director; and Benjamin Valdez, STC Vice President for Academics prepare to sign a 2×4 with well wishes for the new homeowners.

“This partnership affords tremendous opportunity to all parties involved. The building and construction skills that our students will acquire are essential to their education. That, coupled with the benefit of providing much-needed housing options in our region, the partnership is truly win-win. We are grateful to Sioux Falls Habitat for Humanity for partnering with us on this project, and to our instructors and academic leadership for making this opportunity possible for our students.”

– Robert Griggs, president, Southeast Technical College

Conversations between the two organizations outlining a potential partnership began in fall 2020. STC students and instructors will work alongside Habitat staff to build a 4-bedroom, 2-bathroom home on a lot currently owned by Habitat. The goal is to involve students in nearly all phases of construction on this home, including framing, HVAC, electrical, plumbing and landscaping. Construction kicks off the first week in September with the project’s planned completion by the end of the 2022 spring semester.

Habitat for Humanity relies on generous donations and corporate sponsors to cover the cost of building materials for each project. First Bank and Trust, Wells Fargo, Avera Health, the City of Sioux Falls and Henry Carlson Company have provided support to help get the program initially off the ground. Funds will be raised throughout the school year to secure the $140,000 still needed to complete this Habitat home.

Media Coverage

Meet Habitat’s newest homeowners! They purchased their homes on Wednesday, August 25th and received the keys at a dedication ceremony celebrating the joyous occasion. The families thanked the volunteers, sponsors and donors with heartfelt words of gratitude and provided a delicious lunch for all to enjoy. This twin home marks the completion of the 170th and 171st homes built by Habitat of Greater Sioux Falls!

new Habitat homeowners and their family smile in front of their new home

Thanks to Wells Fargo, Sioux Steel and Woods, Fuller, Shultz and Smith for helping fund these homes and to the 280 volunteers who worked a total of 3,389 hours helping build these homes.

It’s no secret that you can volunteer on construction projects with Habitat for Humanity. But did you know that you can also volunteer in the Habitat ReStore? We have many dedicated ReStore volunteers, and more are always welcome. Here we answer some frequent questions we hear about volunteering in the ReStore.

What kind of work does a ReStore volunteer do?

In Sioux Falls, our ReStore volunteers are exclusively cashiers. They help ring up purchases for customers and direct shoppers to ReStore staff for sales floor assistance. No construction or home repair knowledge is needed. (But you might pick some up along the way.) It’s a great alternative for someone who isn’t able to volunteer on an active construction site. (UPDATE: You can now also volunteer in the ReStore as a stockroom assistant!)

Why do ReStore volunteers say they like volunteering?

ReStore volunteers receive training and commit to joining us regularly. They are a crucial part of the team and even form relationships with frequent customers. Many volunteers feel like they are doing good and enjoy getting out of the house. Every purchase helps build or improve homes locally!

What else should I know?

Since this position handles financial transactions, a background check is required. Habitat also provides orientation and training. Volunteers can choose a 3-hour shift (9 a.m.-12 p.m., 12-3 p.m., 3-6 p.m.), Tuesday through Saturday.

If you’re interested in learning more, contact Habitat’s Volunteer Coordinator, Brittany Bandstra, at 605-274-6292.

Congratulations to new homeowner Nura, who completed all requirements in Habitat’s Homeownership Program and purchased her home on North Archer Drive on Friday, June 11. Nura and her four sons — Yonas, Dabi, Abel, and Nahom — have been partnering with Habitat since 2019, with the construction of their home beginning in September 2020.

Nura held down a full-time job at Smithfield, weathered the Covid pandemic, and her household completed 381 sweat-equity hours to achieve her dream of homeownership.

“This is going to be my first time living in a house. I am ready for the new opportunities and new memories we get to create.”

– Abel, Nura’s 14-year-old son

This is the 169th home that Habitat has built or rehabbed in Greater Sioux Falls.

This home would not have been possible without the help of 102 volunteers who gave 2,159 hours (That’s nearly 3 months!) to build this home. Nor could this home have been built without the help of many donors, especially gifts from:

  • Citi
  • Wells Fargo
  • BNSF Railway
  • US Bank
  • Lowe’s Home Improvement
  • First National Bank of Sioux Falls

In gratitude, Nura and her sons recorded a message for Habitat supporters, which you can watch here.

Seven new families have now been approved and selected as homebuyer partners at Habitat for Humanity of Greater Sioux Falls. These families have now started their path to homeownership in 2021. Throughout their partnership, they will attend homebuyer education classes, earn “sweat equity” as Habitat construction volunteers, and achieve a savings goal before purchasing their affordable Habitat home.

Four of these homes will be built in the new Millard Acres Development in Northeastern Sioux Falls. This neighborhood will integrate low-impact design standards in partnership with the City of Sioux Falls, creating a community of 13 twin-homes by 2024. With their families, these future homeowners include:

  • Catie
  • Dana
  • Efrem & Wedasse
  • Tara

Two more homes will be built in Northwestern Sioux Falls, one in partnership with the students at the Career & Technical Education Academy, for these future homeowners and their families:

  • Feysal & Meliha
  • Muruts & Segen

The remaining home is an existing Habitat home in Canton, S.D., which is being recycled for Kathleen and her family. Habitat Sioux Falls currently serves Minnehaha, Lincoln, and Turner County residents.

About Habitat’s Homeownership Program

Applicants who meet all general eligibility and selection criteria requirements are reviewed by the Selection Committee and approved based on their need, ability to pay, and willingness to partner with Habitat. Upon completion of the program, they purchase the Habitat home for the appraised value and commit to making a regular monthly mortgage payment for the entire loan term. As the lender for the sale, Habitat for Humanity offers flexible financing and affordable mortgage loan packages that ensure an affordable payment for each homebuyer. The next opportunity to apply for the Homeownership program will be in June 2021.

Volunteers are always needed to help build alongside these future homeowners. Interested individuals or groups can sign up online or call (605) 274-6292 to find available shifts.

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