Cornerstone and Habitat celebrate Women's Day with a Women Build day

By Cecilia Nasmith

March 8 is International Women's Day.

To celebrate, Habitat for Humanity Northumberland and Cornerstone Family Violence Prevention Centre will celebrate March 12 with a Women Build day, as a team of Cornerstone staffers join the volunteers working on Habitat's current project at 22/24 University Ave. W. in Cobourg.

As an organization of women serving the community's most vulnerable women and children, the announcement said, this is a unique opportunity for Cornerstone to give back.

Cornerstone executive director Nancy Johnston cited some key statistics in the 2016 State of Homeless in Northumberland County report. For example, 76% of single-parent households experiencing homelessness are female-led, with 62% of families attributing their current situation to violence or abuse as the core factor.

“It is Cornerstone's mission to be working locally to break the cycle of violence,” Johnston said in the press release.

“This build day is just another way we can work collaboratively with our community partners to ensure everyone has a place to call home, a place where hope can take root an grow.”

Habitat CEO Meaghan Macdonald said that the example this Women Build will provide, of women helping women, sends a powerful and positive message.

“Our Women Build events provide the opportunity for women to take a proactive step in serving their communities in a collaborative and friendly atmosphere,” Macdonald said.

“This is also a rewarding experience for all involved, and is a terrific way to be engaged in crucial work with a lasting impact.”

Habitat's Home Ownership Program brings communities together to help families build strength, stability and independence through affordable homeownership. It enables individuals and families in financially vulnerable situations build and buy decent and affordable homes. Then, once they become mortgage-paying homeowners, their payments help fund the building of other homes for future Habitat homeowners.

To learn more about Habitat For Humanity Northumberland, visit habitatnorthumberland.ca.

Established in 1983, Cornerstone Family Violence Prevention Centre has been providing vital services to women, children and youth impacted by family violence and abuse, helping to break the cycle of violence by providing immediate shelter, counselling and prevention services throughout Northumberland County. Cornerstone offers a variety of services about which you can learn more at www.cornerstonenorthumberland.ca.

“Together,” the press release said, “we are a community committed to healthy, respectful relationships free from family violence, dedicated to creating a place where hope grows.”