The Woman Blitz got underway on May 1st. The Habitat for Humanity project to build 16 homes funded by women who raised money to participate, $2 million, and came out in full force to raise the roof.
I spent 6 weeks of training as a Crew Leader and learned about proper technique for using a hammer, how to instruct someone else on the use of a power saw, the proper spacing between joists, SIP panels and installing doors and windows. I figure I know how to sell a house, it’s good to know how they’re built.
I was ready to take on a leadership role and reported for duty at 7 a.m., fitted with a tool belt, courtesy of “Montana's Cookhouse", a t-shirt courtesy of “Toronto Crew” and was assigned to roof construction for the day. It is built on a frame beside the house and is then lifted in place by a crane. We had to find plywood scraps, measure and cut to size, and then nail into place around the perimeter of the roof, it forms some type of barrier for the insulation.
There is something magical about a group of roughly 200 women swinging hammers, operating power saws & installing wall panels. A group of multi-tasking, worker bees ready and willing to take on any task with a smile on their face.
They say it takes a village to raise a child, and now I know that a group of women can raise a roof and build the homes to raise those children in.
I’ll be back today for my second shift and can see returning time and again. It’s rewarding work, a great cause and a joy to be involved with.


