Habitat for Humanity gives back to the Ridge – Action News Now

PARADISE, Calif. - Volunteers and several local businesses are helping rebuild homes on the ridge with the Habitat for Humanity organization.

Around 25 volunteers were out helping build fences, sheds and irrigation around multiple homes on Saturday.

The homes built through Habitat for Humanity are built from the ground up by the organization and volunteers.

"The women's build groups this weekend are helping get these homes built and we anticipate these homes being finished sometime this summer. What they're doing is helping us to get the outside work done," Executive Director Nicole Bateman said.

Volunteers dug ditches for sprinkler systems around each home and built the sheds so families have extra storage when they move in. One woman who has worked in real estate for decades said she knows firsthand the benefits homeownership can have on a person's life.

"If we can help families get into their own homes for a sense of security, what a safe place to raise your family is to own your own home and the real first step to financial independence. I have believed in-home ownership for over 40 years, it's what I do for a living and I definitely believe in getting women heads of household and all families into their own home," Becky Prater said.

Future Habitat for Humanity owners also spend several hours building other homes in the community. Jessica Ramirez hopes to move into her new home in the next couple of months.

"You learn about each other. We're all in the same boat. We're all Camp Fire survivors. I know one of the families is living outside of Butte County but is coming back to do sweat equity hours. So yes, a good bond. And I know with these houses being so close together they'll have an even stronger bond," Ramirez said.

Some of the homes being worked on Saturday were built with a material called insulated concrete which not only helps cool the home but is also fire resistant.

Habitat for Humanity expects all three homes they're building on Gardner Ave. to be ready for move-in around June or July.

The Women's Build continues May 15 in Paradise. Several local sponsorships go toward supporting this weekends event.

Continue reading here:

Habitat for Humanity gives back to the Ridge - Action News Now