09-05-2025
Chipola Area Habitat for Humanity hosts annual Women Build
JACKSON COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) – The 2025 Habitat for Humanity Women Build provided a unique opportunity: houses built by women, for women.
On Friday, women of Jackson and Washington counties came together to work on two houses for first-time female homeowners.
The homes are part of Chipola Area Habitat for Humanity's new subdivision. It's the organization's first subdivision in Marianna in over 30 years.
'There's a shortage of housing of any kind. And so while we can't fix the entire problem, we can help move a few families forward and give them a decent place to live and help them have safe and affordable housing for the long term,' Chipola Area Habitat for Humanity Executive Director Kevin Yoder said.
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Women's Build volunteers are working on Chipola Habitats' 107th and 108th homes.
Dozens of community members are serving alongside the future homeowner families to help make it a reality.
'It shows us that we do have other people out in the community that's willing to help us become the homeowners that we're soon to be,' future homeowner Lekeria Williams said.
Groups from the panhandle and beyond take part in the event.
'It's really amazing to see the expansion of the impact beyond Alabama. So, to be able to come to these other states to be able to bring these homes to other communities is really valuable,' Auburn University Rural Studio Assistant Research Professor Mackenzie Stagg said.
The annual Women Build event is meaningful to all involved.
'It is good to have a new beginning, something to offer for our family and our kids. To be a part of it from day one to see it built from the ground up is pretty exciting,' future homeowner Keshia Williams added.
'Chipola habitat is something big for this community. It's a blessing for some families here. And also, I think this has helped the community all get together, bind together,' Florida Public Utilities Marianna Manager of Electric Operations, Rhondon Gray said.
The land for the Gillis Ridge seven-home subdivision was donated to Habitat back in the early 2000s.
Around 2020, the local chapter received a low-interest loan from Habitat for Humanity International, partnership money from the city of Marianna, and donations from individuals and businesses to pay for the project.
The first home is expected to be completed later this year.
If you're interested in volunteering with Chipola Area Habitat for Humanity, click here.
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