One could say that the houses on Riverwalk St. in Lake Station are gradually becoming a beautiful sight to behold. Much of that can be attributed to the work being done between Habitat for Humanity and Oak Partners, Inc.
A team of 11 women from Oak Partners worked together with professionals from Habitat for Humanity for their annual Women Build Day event on Thursday, May 16.
Jeff Freemantle, project manager with Habitat for Humanity of Northwest Indiana, describes how the building process is different with each group of volunteers they work with.
“There are many tasks that we tackle for these builds,” Freemantle said. “It usually depends on our volunteer group for the day. If we have several skilled people here, we’ll get into a more advanced project. If we don’t, then there’s still plenty of tasks for our volunteers to assist with.”
Lacie Le May, client support specialist with Oak Partners, loves volunteering for this event every time and learning something new.
“It’s a nice decompression from the normal workday, but you’re still helping by doing something of importance with friends from work,” Le May said. “Last year, I learned how to side. I live for this event every year.”
With today being Women Build Day, it allows for the volunteer team to make connections while getting a better understanding about construction and carpentry. Bridget Shoemaker, wealth advisor with Oak Partners, has volunteered multiple times for these projects over the years.
“It’s honestly one of the most fun days of the year for all of us,” Shoemaker said. “We're a great team inside of the office and I think that shows over here as well doing something different. We have a blast doing this because it gives us a chance to do something great for the community.”
During the building process, Shoemaker enjoys thinking about how the families eventually moving into the neighborhood will be able to smile and appreciate the work that they’ve done.
“It's a lot of fun to come out here and work with our wonderful partners," said Shoemaker. “As we work on the houses, it’s easy to envision the families that are going to be inside of them. It makes me proud to be a part of this.”
Future Habitat homeowners all put in 300 sweat equity hours to help build their own homes and even other partner family homes. Wende Burbridge, director of development with Habitat for Humanity of Northwest Indiana s has helped to organize many Women Build events. She shares how she's been able to witness the impact they have on Habitat families working alongside perfect strangers who come to help them realize their dream of homeownership.
Much like the houses, the people within the neighborhood maintain a deep connection with one another through barbecues and other activities. Burbridge has helped organize this event multiple times. She shares how she’s been able to witness the way that the residents in this community help look out for their neighbors.
“This is truly an awesome neighborhood,” Burbridge said. “Everyone knows one another very well and celebrates together. They’ve all helped build each other's homes. We’re happy to do our part in helping them as well.”
The team of builders had a blast working on this project. Everyone was appreciative to have the opportunity to work with new faces on such a beautiful day.
“It’s always a great day doing God’s work especially on a sunny day like this one,” Freemantle said. “We’re giving a hand up to the people that are in need by helping out an entire neighborhood.”
For more information on Oak Partners or Habitat for Humanity, you can visit their websites.
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