Chicago Women Build Brings Hundreds of Volunteers to South Side Townhome Project

Hundreds of women are putting their time and practical skills toward new homes on Chicago's South Side this October. Habitat for Humanity Chicago has launched its annual Chicago Women Build, with volunteers helping construct the first eight homes in the Maple Park Landing Townhome development in West Pullman.

The effort is Habitat Chicago's biggest annual event combining fundraising and volunteer work. Executive Director Jennifer Parks said this year's participants are expected to include more than 700 women raising more than $750,000. Now in its 14th year, the fundraiser is on track for its largest turnout yet, according to Parks.

On the construction side, volunteers are taking on tasks that include woodworking, painting and installing drywall. Their work supports the opening phase of a development described by 21st Ward Ald. Ronnie Mosley as 20 new townhomes intended for homeownership. The eight homes targeted by this year's event are the first portion of that larger project.

Among those volunteering at the Thursday kickoff was Belinda Hutcherson, who became a homeowner at 74. Hutcherson described her own experience of having a home as a reason to help others reach the same milestone. For her, participating in the build connects the security she has found through homeownership with a similar opportunity for future residents.

Habitat Chicago's role extends beyond construction. Parks said the organization works with prospective buyers to prepare them for owning a home, while also building homes they can afford. She described the goal as helping buyers secure an affordable place to live for the next 30 years.

For West Pullman, the project represents both new housing and an investment in the surrounding community. Mosley said the future homeowners could help support neighborhood businesses. This month's volunteer and fundraising effort is focused on turning the development's first eight homes into a step toward that longer-term neighborhood investment.