The events of 2020 turned a home into a school, a gym, an office and for some of our neighbors, their homes required much needed attention in order to safely complete these activities. Additionally, a highly active hurricane season amplified the need for home repairs and created additional stress on families already financially burdened by the events of the pandemic. To respond to this need, Habitat for Humanity of the Mississippi Gulf Coast is seeking to return ten homes to safe, sanitary and secure conditions with its first Women [re]Build.
Women [re]Build is a collective effort led by committee members who are dedicating their time and talents to help raise $5,000 each to support home repairs in our community. The committee members are channeling their inner Rosie-the-Riveter by responding to the call to meet the needs of their community. Fundraising efforts have begun and will continue until September 1. To date, twelve individuals and corporations have committed their support to this initiative, including, Habitat MS Gulf Coast Board Members, Stacey Miles, Mississippi Power Company and Monica Walker, Hope Credit Union; Mary Martha Henson, Jackson County Economic Development Foundation; Anita Brooks, Geiger Promotional Products; Sherri Carr Bevis, Singing River Hospital System; Dr. Angela Wingfield, The Dermatology Clinic, PLLC; Bridget Turan, Gulf Coast Community Foundation Volunteer Hub; Chanelle Mailes, Keesler Federal Credit Union; Regina Charlot, City of Pass Christian Alderwoman; LuAnn Pappas, Scarlet Pearl Casino Resort; Kim Goetz, IP Casino Resort Spa; and Ingalls Shipbuilding.
Habitat MS Gulf Coast currently has a list of 351 names of families whose homes are in need of repair. “I’ve been involved with Habitat for several years and we continually strive to be responsive to the community’s needs. The need for home repair is there. The more funds people contribute toward our efforts, the more families we serve. I am excited to be a part of this important initiative to help so many in our community,” said Board Member and Women [re]Build Committee Member, Stacey Miles. “I look forward to coming together to make this a reality,” added Committee Member, Regina Charlot. “I was honored when asked to join as a ‘Rosie’ because I feel it is a small way to ‘pay back’ to an organization that helps fellow Mississippians in a time of need and be a part of a team who is improving quality of life for our MS Gulf Coast neighbors,” added Committee Member Mary Martha Henson.
Families in need of home repairs are welcome to contact the Habitat MS Gulf Coast office at 228-678-9100. Those looking to support the fundraising effort can donate by visiting: https://secure.givelively.org/donate/habitat-for-humanity-of-the-mississippi-gulf-coast-inc/women-re-build-2021 or by contacting Habitat office at 228-678-9123 or tellmemore@hfhmgc.org.
