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Women Build – 2022
Posted on April 14, 2023
Women Build:
Every year, Greater Fox Cities Area Habitat for Humanity dedicates a home as a Women Build. This home is built from the ground up, by women from all over the Fox Valley. Our Women Build connects the incredible power of women as they come together to build safer, stronger communities and to raise funds to advance the critical call for affordable housing in our community.
Every home we build is special, but the Women Build home of 2022 has a significant story. This home was built for Shaunna Toohey and her son. It just so happens that this Women Build was built on the lot next door to our first ever Women Build for Zorica Kravic, over 20 years ago.
To see the impact we’re making together for women in our community, watch the video below!
Watch the Video Below!
Zorica had to flee war-torn Bosnia 26 years ago as a refugee. She came to the United States and had to start her life from scratch. Zorica wondered if she would ever live in a home of her own again. She found out about Habitat from some coworkers who encouraged her to apply, and she was approved for her home which was built in June of 2000.
“All these women that helped me to build my house without knowing me, that meant a lot to me. That means they like to support people in need.
This gave me a sense of belonging and I’m here to stay.”
– ZORICA KRAVIC
Shaunna was born and raised in Appleton and is a single mom of her 11-year-old son. As an adult trying to find a rental that was safe and affordable, Shaunna struggled. She originally started in our Almost Home program, focusing on improving debt and credit issues. She followed her goals, improved her financial situation and was approved to be a Habitat Homebuyer. Shaunna stated that she is proud of herself for being able to get what she has always dreamed of for both herself and her son.
“I want a house, I got a house, and I get to keep a house. It’s mine and I did it with the support of my friends, family, Habitat, and especially my sponsors.
My son never has to move, or change schools and be in that weird unknown. It’s calm, it’s safe, it’s his place, and that means everything to me because I didn’t have that growing up.”
– SHAUNNA TOOHEY
Building a Habitat home takes a village, and we are so thankful for those who put their hands and time into this project. The 2022 Women Build was built by 187 volunteers who put in a total of 2,446 hours. Without those involved, this home would not have been possible.
Thank you to the following sponsors for helping turn this homeowners dream into a reality –
Miron Construction, US Venture, Pierce Mfg., Community First Credit Union, Employment Resource Group Inc., Katapult, Kimberly-Clark Corp., McClone Insurance, Network Health, Plexus, Red Shoes Inc., and Hype Solutions.
Shaunna and Zorica have formed a connection and are excited to be neighbors and friends forever. They are looking forward to making memories and helping each other with whatever they need.
Lifelong Friends
“Special women have to help each other. We are both single moms who went through similar life events.
This will help us to be close, help each other out and live in these houses for the rest of our lives.”
– Zorica Kravic
Want to Help?
If you’d like to be a part of next year’s Women Build, please reach out to Amy McGowan by email at amym@foxcitieshabitat.org or call/text 920-378-8613.
