Women build affordable housing for Rogue Valley Habitat for Humanity | The Housing Crisis [Video]

MEDFORD, Ore. – Rogue Valley Habitat for Humanity begins its 2024 Women Build program tonight in Medford. The organization expects nearly 80 participants in the more than decade-old program.

“It’s an opportunity to learn some skills without intimidation of men or others that might be more skilled and might make them nervous,” said Denise James, the executive director of Rogue Valley Habitat for Humanity.

The four to six-week program offers a variety of clinics and opportunities for hands-on construction experience for women in an inclusive and welcoming environment. The idea behind the program is to empower women to participate in any construction project, whether it’s on one of Habitat’s construction sites or a typical DIY project at home.

“I’m on the construction site whenever I can be now,” said Holly Smyth, a Rogue Valley Habitat for Humanity builder. “I was …