Published: Saturday, Feb. 07, 2009 / Updated: Sunday, Feb. 08, 2009 12:03 AM

Team starts project to build house for one of its own

Not everyone gets to drive a nail in a wall that will frame their home, much less lift that wall into place, or build their home.

On Saturday, Letita Williams of Rock Hill stood atop a concrete slab -- the foundation that will anchor her new Soft Winds Village home -- and helped raise a wall that, in months, will shelter her family.

"I'm so excited," said Williams, who previously helped build a house for her soon-to-be next-door neighbor. "This is so inspiring, working to build my house."

Williams' single-level house is the first project for The Women Build, a team of women with Habitat for Humanity of York County. The women recently completed a five-weekend tool training series in preparation for Saturday's build and subsequent ones.

"They're empowered," said June Kay, project chairwoman and president of the local Habitat.

A team of 36 people, including 25 women, will work for the next 14 Saturdays to complete the four-bedroom, two-bath house.

"It's the most exciting build I've ever participated in, just watching all the women take charge," board member Sally Herlong said. "Watching all the women have confidence to build a wall and put it up is empowering."

About 11 men also were on hand Saturday.

"We're working as equals," said Jane Sharp, who has helped build three other houses. "The men are giving us instructions. We're leading teams of women."

Saturday's goal was to frame the house -- put up the outer walls.

"There's one going up right now," Kay said as members of the Winthrop University volleyball team and their coach raised the wall.

"Yeah!" the group called out in celebration as Shannon Wells, Winthrop's assistant volleyball coach, snapped a picture.

"It's someone's house, and the first wall is up," Wells said.

Across the way, Williams flashed a huge smile that wasn't missed by team member Kelsey Hall.

"It was so good to see Letita smile and how excited she was when the wall went up," Hall said. Williams worked countless hours on a neighboring Habitat house so she could qualify for the Soft Winds Village home and its 20-year mortgage.

Shaking up norms

Saturday's Women Build shook up the norm, Gene Parrish said.

"This is the first build that women have been in charge that I've worked on," said Parrish, who has helped build seven Habitat homes. "Instead of fetching coffee and doughnuts, they're actually helping to frame the house. They're driving nails."

And raising walls.

"I'm surprised they're doing as well as they are," Parrish said. "As a general rule, you don't have a whole lot of lady builders."

Across the way, women swung hammers without hitting their fingers.

"That's a major accomplishment because I hit mine every now and again," Parrish quipped.

Then the second wall went up.

The group will return Saturday to work on the roof. The house is slated to be dedicated on Mother's Day.

"It will be a blessing to have a home of my own," Williams said. "Then on Mother's Day, that's the greatest gift to ever have."