Richmond Metropolitan Habitat for Humanity’s first-ever PRIDE Build brought together 19 sponsors, more than 200 volunteers, as well as local members of the LGBTQ+ community and allies to help build two homes for two local families.
Decades of systemic discrimination have barred LGBTQ+ families and individuals from homeownership. The goal for the PRIDE Build is to raise awareness of the need for affordable housing for all and its power to transform lives for the better.
Along with fundraising events, Richmond Habitat had 19 sponsors help fund the new PRIDE Build program. Sponsors included Capital One, Wells Fargo, Virginia Housing, Allianz Global Assistance, and Grace Baptist Church.
“Grace Baptist Church is elated to be a sponsor of Richmond Habitat’s first Pride Build because this is an opportunity for us to work alongside others in the community to create more affordable and equitable housing and to bear witness to our belief in the full inclusion and affirmation of LGBTQ+ folx,” Rev. Dr. Courtney Allen Crump said. “Our team had a great first day building with Habitat, and we can’t wait to come back!”
The PRIDE Build started on October 4, 2023 and ran Wednesday through Sunday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm every week with the final date on ___ at both 107 and 109 East 17th Street, Richmond, Virginia 23223. In total, the build had 380 volunteer spots filled by sponsors and community members.
“Richmond Habitat is grateful for the many sponsors, contributors and volunteers who made our first PRIDE Build an amazing success,” Burdette Robinson, Community Engagement Manager, said. “Our region was ready for this program! We’ve had many inquiries from the community who want to be a part of our second PRIDE Build in 2024.”
The next PRIDE Build is scheduled to start in the summer of 2024.
