I’m participating in this fantastic event for the 10th time with the women of Holabird & Root + JLK architects! If you would like to join me in supporting this mission, you can do so on this webpage!

If you haven’t decided yet, here are my top 5 reasons to donate:

[1] Homeownership is one of the most dynamic tools a person can obtain access to in order to build a strong and stable future.

[2] The Habitat path to homeownership is one of partnership and sustainable change, one that doesn’t give away free homes but rather helps boost a family out of the rent cycle. The receiving family partners with Habitat for Humanity by completing 350 sweat equity hours, attending homeowner education classes, and saving up for a down payment. Once the home is built, the family is able to purchase it from Habitat with a minimal down payment and an affordable 0% interest mortgage.

[3] The efforts of this event benefit female-led households specifically. From the gender pay gap and its impact on credit profiles, to uneven childcare responsibilities that consume time and financial resources, to higher rates of mortgage denials despite superior payment performance, the hurdles keeping women from homeownership are high. Habitat for Humanity in general is a great force for good, but this women-helping-women event is particularly powerful.

[4] Habitat Chicago is making a point of strengthening communities, to increase the likelihood of creating lasting change for their homeowners.

[5] Each event participant not only raises over $500 toward the cost of the home, but also donates one day of labor towards the construction process. The women participating make really meaningful and visible progress on the job site each year.

Thanks ahead of time for your generosity!
<3 Laura