JAHFH and JEHDI hold Women Build event for community

There is never a bad time to organize a charitable event, and the Joplin Area Habitat for Humanity and the Joplin Economic Housing Development Initiative did just that on Tuesday.

More than 40 women came together at five different locations to help with a variety of tasks in a Women Build event. 

Two of the locations saw vinyl siding being replaced, while one location was gifted with A Brush with Kindness repair project, which is for light repairs on the exterior of homes. There were also two locations that needed storm debris cleaned up. 

“We have five work sites going around town,” JAHFH Executive Director Scott Clayton told NewsTalk KZRG. “We are doing siding on two houses and also doing A Brush with Kindness project and helping this 85-year-old lady with a lot of things going on with that side of her house. It’s a big day for a lot of people doing some nice work.” 

JAHFH and JEHDI work together to advance home ownership and homeowner repair programs for low income individuals and families in need of better housing.

“It’s just good to know the intentions of people around here are good and they want to be helpful,” Clayton said. “We have programs in place so we can be helpful to individuals who are older, physically disabled, veteran homeowners or families who are just starting off and need a step up. We are working with people who really need the assistance, and there are a lot of people who want to help with that. We’re just making the connection there.” 

For Sherie Bebee and her children, the Women Build project not only helped put new siding on her home, but she also learned how to hang the siding herself as she and her friends participated in the event.

“This is a blessing for my family, me and my kids,” Bebee said. “Just taking the time and having people donate their time is such a blessing to know people care enough to help other people.

“I’ve never put on siding, so learning a new trade is awesome. It’s fun!”