Jackie Blank/Jane McCune Women Build

 

Habitat for Humanity's Women Build unites women by empowering and challenging them to learn new skills as they act out Habitat's mission to provide safe, decent, and affordable housing to low-income families and individuals living in Johnson, Cedar, and Iowa Counties. Men are "allowed" on the build site but agree to limit their role to that of mentors. From fundraising, to wall raising, to landscaping, the Women Build lives up to its name - it is built entirely by women!  

Background

We are very excited to dedicate the fourth Iowa Valley Habitat for Humanity Women Build to Jackie Blank and Jane McCune. The start of their success began in 1979 when they founded "Blank & McCune Real Estate Company" despite all of their male influences advising them against the idea. Their banker, lawyer, and accountant, all of them men, encouraged them not to continue with the idea, but they set out to prove them wrong. Jackie and Jane are perfect role models for all women looking to accomplish big goals. We could not be more happy to name our fourth Women Build after them. May they empower all women to not only build a house together, but also continue to set bigger goals for themselves and women around the world.

Join the Women Build!

There are many opportunities to be involved with the Jackie Blank/Jane McCune Women Build, and we are confident that you will find your experience with the Women Build personally enriching and rewarding.

Donate

The old saying "every dollar counts" is true!  Any way you can support the Women Build will help significantly, even if it is just a box of nails!  Please consider giving to this wonderful cause - click here to make a secure donation.  Donations can also be mailed to Iowa Valley Habitat for Humanity, 2401 Scott Blvd. SE. Iowa City, IA 52240.

Raise Funds
There are many creative ways to raise money for the Women Build. Consider inviting your friends for coffee, dinner, or cocktail hour and ask each of your guests to make a donation to the Women Build. Bake sales, car washes, and yard sales are always great ways to raise money. If you are a cyclist, you may want to consider signing up and riding the Habitat 500 to raise money for the build! The point is, fundraising can and should be fun! Please contact Maggie Pforts, Resource Development Director, for more fundraising ideas.

Volunteer

No prior experience is required - we will show you how to build a house! To get yourself or your group involved, please email Ashley Wahlert, Volunteer Coordinator, or call the office at 319-337-8949. Other volunteer opportunities include: photographer, preparing food or refreshments, fundraising, special events, etc. If you want to volunteer, but don't want to work the construction site, we still need you! 

 

News & Upcoming Events

  • The Jackie Blank/Jane McCune Women Build will build a home for the Elizabeth Bernal family. Elizabeth and her children are very eager to live in a safe, clean, and decent home of their own.
  • The Women Build Steering Committee meets every other Wednesday. It is a very dynamic and energetic group, and is very eager to begin the fourth Iowa Valley Habitat Women Build. Contact Ashley Wahlert, Volunteer Coordinator, or Maggie Pforts, Resource Development Director, if you are interested in getting involved.
  • The Groundbreaking is scheduled for the summer of 2012.  Please watch out for a specific date, and make sure to come celebrate the start of our fourth Women Build.