This post was provided by News Now Warsaw
By Dan Spalding
News Now Warsaw
WARSAW — A larger-than-normal crowd turned out for the latest groundbreaking for Habitat for Humanity of Kosciusko County’s upcoming housing project, energized by a big turnout of women who will lead the construction and fundraising efforts.
The upcoming project — the third of the year in Kosciusko County — will be a full women’s build in which about 250 women from the community take the lead in construction and fundraising.
The chapter has assembled 25 teams of ten to 12 women for the project, said Stacy Price a board member who is leading the Women Build.
“It’s been absolutely excellent. I couldn’t ask for any more. Every team I’ve talked to is excited,” Price said.
Executive director Ben Logan said they highlighted the role of women in projects in 2022, 2023 and 2024, but haven’t attempted a full 100 percent build relying on women for more than a dozen years.
The chapter continues to see a growing level of corporate support from the community and this time, Bowen Health stepped up to provide the lot on Hepler Drive.
Jay Baumgartner, chief financial officer for Bowen Health, said they are proud to be part of Habitat for Humanity and the Womens Build.
“Stable and safe housing is one of the determinants of a healthy mental health lifestyle. The lack of stable housing leads to stress, depression, anxiety, and a host of other mental health issues, so it just made sense for Bowen Health to align with Habitat for Humanity and to donate this land,” Baumgartner said.
The project’s family is a single mother of one who said she feels a sense of camaraderie being the recipient of a women’s build effort.
“That was one of the main things I was excited for when they brought it out to me,” said Alexis Manges, who is 26 and has a four-year-old son.
She said their current home has created health issues for both of them.
“Mold is a big factor — it’s actually my main factor in deciding to apply. My son was having some health issues, and after the doctor’s visits, we determined that that was the main cause, and it’s grown a bit out of control,” Manges said.
Habitat hopes to complete construction on the home this year.
In her comments made at the ceremony to those in attendance, Manges thanked everyone for their support in helping her be in a position to eventually move into the house.
She said her employer, Da-Lite Legrand, has stepped up and that project teams include some of her co-workers.
“I’m super excited to work with everybody,” she said.
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