Women at work

Karen Thurston closely monitored construction of her custom home a couple of years ago, but she didn’t take part in the actual building. So Thurston broke new personal ground Wednesday as she wielded a hammer to build a Habitat for Humanity of North Idaho home.

Thurston was one of dozens of women (and men) who participated in the Post Falls Habitat Women Build.

“I think it’s a great idea. I’m unskilled, though, so I need to be supervised,” she joked.

Local Habitat chapters across the country participated in the organization’s National Women Build Week with similar events. Lowe’s helped out by underwriting the event. The home-improvement store donated hard hats, safety glasses and nail aprons for the Post Falls build.

“We have a lot of women who volunteer, and it gives them a chance to come out and participate in building a home for a deserving family,” said Renee’ McGlockin.

McGlockin said female volunteers include craftsmen, and women who have never done any kind of construction.

Construction Supervisor Scott Moore said new volunteers are teamed with experienced people until they feel comfortable doing the work on their own.

More women should consider volunteering for Habitat for Humanity, said Betsy Bethke.

“They’re really good about allowing women to work any project they feel comfortable with,” Bethke said. “They don’t see a woman and decide she’s incapable of doing a particular job.”

Bethke has worked on eight homes, and her jobs have included roofing, siding, pouring foundations, painting and framing.

The Wednesday Women Build event involved working on the group’s ninth home in its Millard Place subdivision on McGuire Road, north of Interstate 90.

Wet weather contributed to a light turnout, but those at the building event made substantial progress on a tool shed and the home’s floor.

Glory Carlile works as the office manager at Habitat for Humanity of North Idaho. She gets to know the volunteers that way but had never been to the work sites.

“It’s an adventure. It’s really exciting to see it,” Carlile said.

For Bethke building houses for Habitat is a great way to give back to the community.

“I just like helping and volunteering,” she said. “I like the hands-on nature of building for Habitat.”