Photos by Kari Rowe
Last fall, we partnered with Habitat for Humanity Portland/Metro’s Women Build program for our Women’s Work campaign, featuring the all-female force behind many of the construction components of Habitat houses in Portland, Oregon.
We had the opportunity to witness a dedicated group of women who came together to learn the tools and techniques of the building trade, and we spent the day on an active jobsite where photographer Kari Rowe snapped photos of 29 ladies hard at work — digging trenches, building retaining walls, hanging exterior siding and painting interiors for a multifamily development in Northeast Portland.
Through the Women Build program, female volunteers from all walks of life come together to help build affordable homes for low-income families. Quarterly events are an opportunity for volunteers to learn from experienced female crew leaders, like Raven Connelly. Raven and her fellow tradeswomen train volunteers how to use power tools, then work side by side with them on various home-construction projects.
Nearly 40 percent of Habitat for Humanity homeowners are working, single mothers, and these all-women building events contribute to safe homes for these families — while challenging gender stereotypes along the way. And the ladies who build together also come away with some things: new skills, self-sufficiency and a supportive community, to name a few. We’re grateful we got to capture this work in progress.
In times like these, the security and comfort of home is more important than ever. While Women Build volunteer opportunities are on hold for the time being, you can still be a part of the house-building mission by donating to Habitat for Humanity Portland/Metro’s Safety of Home campaign.
Through this program, all donations to the organization are currently being matched, and the funds help build more much-needed housing. To learn more about how you can help, visit habitatportlandmetro.org/safety-of-home.
