Pensacola Habitat for Humanity Celebrates International Women’s Day
PENSACOLA, Fla. – Pensacola Habitat for Humanity celebrates International Women’s Day on Mar. 8 by reflecting on the many women who have helped the organization achieve its many successes, including leadership past and present and the nine Home Buyers served through its annual Women Build.
The affiliate was founded by Pensacolian Wilhelmina McNamara in 1981, 13 years after the founding of Habitat for Humanity International. McNamara’s leadership was carried on by Betty Salter, who joined the Board of Directors in 1984, served as the executive director for 21 years and remained an active member of the Board up until earlier this year, when she was recognized with Emeritus Director status for her work helping to build over 1,400 homes. Pensacola Habitat for Humanity’s current leadership includes five women in director or executive roles.
“It is an honor to be part of an organization that has always centered on women in leadership,” said Pensacola Habitat for Humanity’s Director of Programs Betsy McDonald. “It started with Wilhelmina McNamara, and then the torch was carried by Betty Salter for over 40 years. Today, most of our leadership team continues to be led by women. I believe that organizations are more impactful when all voices can be heard and included, and I’m proud that we embody that philosophy.”
In Fiscal Year 2022, 94 percent of Home Buyers and 85 percent of homeowners served through Community Development were women. Of the current 73 individuals in the Home Buyer Program, 93 percent are women. Beyond its programs, Pensacola Habitat for Humanity gives all women ways to better their community through its Women Build. Now in its 10th year, Pensacola Habitat for Humanity’s Women Build recruits and empowers women from all walks of life to come together, fundraise and build a home for another woman in their community. Last year’s Women Build saw 161 women raise $102,626 towards Pensacola Habitat for Humanity’s mission.
“It’s essential that we recognize our long history of being led by incredible women working to create homeownership opportunities for everyone, and I’m honored to count some of the most dedicated women in our community today among our leadership,” said Pensacola Habitat for Humanity President/CEO Sam Young. “We work with many women who are creating generational wealth and stability through owning a home, which empowers them to continue serving as the backbones of our homes, neighborhoods and community. Diversity and equity are central to our mission, and being able to see that in action each and every day is a true gift.”
Pensacola Habitat for Humanity, a member of the national NeighborWorks network, prioritizes equity and inclusion in all its work. Helping empower more women to own homes, sustain homes and become financially secure on the path to homeownership can create opportunities for women to build and retain wealth.
For more information about Pensacola Habitat for Humanity, visit pensacolahabitat.org. To support Pensacola Habitat for Humanity’s Women Build, visit womenbuild.pensacolahabitat.org. To learn more about how to become a community leader and help your community, go to neighborworks.org/CLI.
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