Building For The Better

Habitat for Humanity of South Palm Beach County’s “Sisterhood of the Pink Hard Hat” annual fundraiser encourages women to roll up their sleeves and raise money experientially. This year was no different, with over 150 women coming together and raising more than $225,000, exceeding the fundraising goal by 50%.

The event, sponsored by Moraca Builders, Inc., attracted more than 20 teams of corporate and volunteer “builders.” The initiative brought women from across South Palm Beach County to raise hammers and money in a mission to help low-income families.

For inclusivity and accessibility, Women Build established three ways for volunteers to help the cause. On the construction site, volunteers were invited to aid in the building process. Those choosing to help from home could receive a DIY “build kit,” which included instructions and materials to build home goods for a Habitat Partner Family. Lastly, “Join Now, Build Later” allowed women to raise essential funds for the organization and schedule a build date later.

Suzie Michel, widowed mother of four, currently lives in an unsafe and unaffordable neighborhood. She is a hardworking Delray Beach property manager and has pledged to complete 300 “sweat equity” hours and 100 hours of the financial literacy and homeownership curriculum. Upon completion, Michel will qualify for a zero-interest mortgage to purchase her Habitat for Humanity-built home. This year’s Women Build funds will directly benefit the Michel family.

Tom Moraca, founder and president of Moraca Builders, noted that the organization “is proud to support Women Build and the Michel family.”

The funding regularly raised by Habitat for Humanity of South Palm Beach County helps families of need qualify for traditional bank mortgages. Like Michel, all Habitat homeowners undergo sweat equity programs before gaining access to their new homes. Every day, the organization helps generations by making homeownership accessible. Learn more about Habitat for Humanity of South Palm Beach County by clicking here.