This month’s article gives a transparent and clear look at how members of Greater Fredericksburg Habitat for Humanity and Woman Build work together to continue our mission to help our community in its mission to provide services from our Homebuyers Program to help people be able to move into homes and to have long term housing sustainability.

Greater Fredericksburg Habitat for Humanity had the honor and pleasure of sitting down with two amazing board members who are part of Woman Build Greater Fredericksburg Habitat for Humanity, Mary Beth Rich and Sherrie Shaw. Both Mary Beth and Sherrie have been on this wonderful journey for over 12 years.

Women Build originally started at Habitat for Humanity International in 1991 with a simple premise. Any woman or person who wanted to learn to build is invited to join. Over the years, affiliates across the nation and the world at large, created their Women Build groups in their locations. Our Women Build program began in 2013 with a simple meet up. Mary Beth Rich and Sherrie Shaw (both in Reality) attended the first informational meeting as strangers, and came away both friends and Co-chairs of Women Build.

Over the years, both Mary Beth and Sherrie have witnessed such growth, a better understanding from our community about what our mission is, and there has been a continued outpouring of support. They have both participated in many Women Build events, and fundraisers. Who can forget the Little Black Dress event that is still talked about to this day. The Little Black Dress was a labor of love for Mary Beth and Sherrie, along with many Women Build members and area sponsors. Women Build members participated in Greater Fredericksburg Habitat for Humanity’s Canstruction entries for four years.  Women Build also sponsored 3 homes in 12 years.

Mary Beth shared that during Covid there was the fear of a build not happening but that wasn't the case at all. Women Build helped the completion of a build with our hard-working volunteers, the word no was not an option.

What they each would like to see more of in the future for Woman Build and Greater Fredericksburg Habitat for Humanity, Sherrie quoted “Educating, restoring hope, dignity, and restoring confidence.’ Mary Beth stated “We are a community at large who continue through Habitat and Women Build to inspire, get involved. It is a very empowering feeling to watch how Woman Build encourages women to know they can raise roofs and build to better our communities. Women do step up and Woman Build is impactful.”

What is most appreciated of Women Build, is that whether Mary Beth, Sherrie or any of the other members, call them any day of the week to help. Members of Women Build attend local government meetings to lobby for housing issues that impact our neighbors. Members of Women Build are active not only in the builds at our affiliate, but also setting up the social infrastructure for the build successes. There is no possible way to thank all of the members for the many years of dedication and impact that they have provided. We are honored for their work both in the past and as it continues.

In the near future, please look for our upcoming interview video with Mary Beth and Sherrie, when we go further into what Greater Habitat for Humanity and Woman Build are doing to create more awareness, build more homes, fundraising, and to place people in homes that otherwise would be unattainable for so many. We could not do this work without our volunteers and all of our supporters throughout this generous community. Please visit our website for more ways to become a supporter and volunteer for Greater Fredericksburg Habitat for Humanity.

Mary Beth Rich lives in the City of Fredericksburg with her husband of 45 years and dog, Leala. They have two children and four grandchildren that they love to spend as much time with as they can. Mary Beth enjoys reading, walking, and giving back to her community.

Sherrie has lived in the Fredericksburg area for over 30 years, and is blessed with two children and two grandchildren that are her everything. Sherrie is the true life of the party, loves Jesus, fine wine, and will give the shirt off her back to help just about anyone. Everyday, she tries to make the world a better place! She is passionate about helping others achieve the dream of homeownership!