Women from all over the San Fernando Valley joined together on May 5^th to make a difference by doing something that may be outside of their comfort zones at the 3^rd Annual Women Empowerment Build. 

To quote Chairwoman Alison Haislip of Hulu’s Original Series Battleground, “Tonight if you hear on the news that there was a major estrogen explosion in the San Fernando Valley today, that would be us. We are weapons of mass construction!”

Also in attendance was Habitat Ambassador Arianne Zucker of Days of Our Lives, who gave an amazing safety briefing.

Field Representative Sarah Tamor from Fran Pavley’s office presented a certificate of achievement in recognition for all of the work Habitat has done to Habitat Chairman of the Board Richard Doss, Event Chairwoman Alison Haislip and Habitat Ambassador Arianne Zucker.  You can catch some of the videos here.

This year’s event was the first preview of items to be sold at Habitat for Humanity SF/SCV’s brand new ReStore, which officially opens on June 30^th.  Participants of this year’s WE Build were able to sample and buy some of the most amazing treasures from the large inventory of furniture, home goods, appliances and surplus building supplies.  Among the coveted items were a set of Coach chairs with ottoman (sorry ladies, they’re sold!), and a flat screen Samsung 40” TV donated by Let’s Make a Deal.

Participants of this event all pitched in to build and paint the display fixtures for the upcoming ReStore and celebrate a new phase in the life of Habitat for Humanity SF/SCV by being the first group to build on the Sylmar site at 14560 Foothill Blvd, which will hold 12 homes for veterans when completed.

Starting with the launch of the new “Habitat for Heroes” program in 2011, Habitat for Humanity SF/SCV expanded into a new direction.  With over 20,000 veterans in foreclosure in 2010, many of whom were still on active duty, there is a great need for veteran affordable housing in Southern California.

Thanks to many local sponsors such as Lowe’s, Citibank, National Construction Rentals, The Entertainment Industry’s Council, Whole Foods Tarzana, The San Fernando Valley Business Journal, Buffalo Bill’s Mercantile and Maddy’s Market, this event was an incredible success!  Look for the ReStore Grand Opening on June 30^th at 9606 DeSoto Avenue, Chatsworth, Ca. Phone (818) 914-8633. More details to come.