Women's Build celebrates International Women's Day

Behind the walls of a house near 18th & Pratt, a transformation began Friday.

It was a transformation that empowered women to help renovate the space for a local family who will soon call it home.

"There's a sense of a good feeling you get from helping out," Ashley Livengood said. "It's building my skills as well as helping the community."

Livengood is a volunteer for the Habitat for Humanity Women's Build program for the third year in a row. She has been more accustomed to a warmer kickoff.

"The past two years, the group has been a lot smaller," Livengood said. "It's actually exciting to see that this many people stuck with it even though we've got the colder weather."

Last year's Habitat for Humanity build began in May. There were more short sleeves than long sleeves.

The earlier and colder start this time around was for a good reason. Friday marked International Women's Day.

"We just think it makes it even more compelling to show how tough women are and how people really want to volunteer," Development Officer Meggan Thomas said.

It was a moment of empowerment that came with even more meaning.

"Just really celebrate the fact that we can all come together as women and do this for our community," Livengood said.

The women who were not going to let winter's firm grip on the metro stop them from volunteering now and in the future.

"I plan on coming for a long time," Livengood said.

Friday kicked off months of work set to happen at this specific project. 6 News was told the home is expected to be ready for the family by the end of the year.