• Editor’s Note: This article was contributed by Aurora resident Al Benson.

Aurora Police Chief Kristen Ziman, center, welcomes women Friday to Fox Valley Habitat for Humanity’s Women Build 2019 at 823 Gillette Ave. in Aurora. (AL BENSON PHOTO)

About 70 women pounded nails Thursday through Saturday (May 10-12) at 823 Gillette Ave. in Aurora for Fox Valley Habitat for Humanity’s Women Build 2019, a home built by women for women.

Elsa Macias of Aurora, the future homeowner, and her mother joined women volunteers who raised house and garage walls during the three-day build. Completion is scheduled for January.

Elsa Macias of Aurora, left, was among 30 women pounding nails Saturday. (AL BENSON PHOTO)

The Women Build is Fox Valley Habitat’s first project constructed by women. Aurora Police Chief Kristen Ziman welcomed 20 volunteers at Friday’s build.

Aurora Deputy Mayor Chuck Nelson and 6th Ward Alderman Michael Saville welcomed volunteers Saturday.

Julie Clark, Habitat volunteer coordinator, said Habitat’s Women Build volunteers come together from all walks of life to build stronger, safer communities.

“Women and children make up the majority of people populating Habitat neighborhoods, as they are the most likely to be affected by poor living conditions,” she said.

“Women Build” events provide the opportunity for women to take a proactive step in serving their communities.

“Since Women Build’s official creation in 1991, Women Build volunteers have constructed more that 2,225 homes around the world!” Clark said. “Women Build participants are asked to raise $250 to cover the cost of the materials that will be used for the event. It’s easy to achieve and we’ll show you how! You can also earn fun prizes at different levels of your fundraising. The best part is feeling the satisfaction of knowing that you were a vital part of helping build a home for a deserving family. “

Volunteers will receive a Women Build T-shirt, catered lunch on site, personalized fundraising website and office support.

For more information, contact Clark at (630) 206-5034 or j.clark@foxvalleyhabitat.org.

• FEATURE PHOTO CAPTION: A woman carries lumber Saturday for Fox Valley Habitat for Humanity’s Women Build 2019 at 823 Gillette Ave. in Aurora, a home being built by women for women. Completion is scheduled for January.