Housing as a Right: Advocating for Single-Mother Families and Community Engagement
In a world where affordable housing is fought as a fundamental right, Women Build Dallas handed one deserving single mother, Martha Rebollar, the keys to a brand-new home.
As stable housing forms the foundation for opportunity and security, the effort to make it accessible to all families—especially those led by single mothers—is more critical than ever. “Martha is the loveliest person and so deserving of this home,” said Nadine Lee, the 2024 Women Build Dallas Chair and CEO/President of DART. Martha Rebollar, the 2024 Women Build Family recipient, has faced numerous challenges, from managing her mother’s health issues to overcoming financial struggles, but her dream of owning a home has finally come true.
“Every time I step into Habitat, I am made to feel important by everybody there. Everyone here is love; Habitat loves to help people,” says Martha. After a decade in their apartment, she and her family are eager to move into their new Habitat home, a place where she envisions building a strong, supportive community. Martha’s story is one of resilience, hope, and the transformative power of women empowering women. Her journey and Nadine Lee’s leadership embody the strength and unity that come when women lift each other up. Together, they are creating homes and communities where love and perseverance thrive.
Empowering Single Mothers Through Housing
Advocacy for single-mother households, particularly those facing economic hardship, is vital. Women Build Dallas focuses its efforts on providing homes to single-mother families with low incomes. According to data from the 2022 annual release of America’s Families and Living Arrangements, 80% of the 10.9 million single-parent families in the U.S. are led by mothers, highlighting the critical need for targeted housing solutions.
Women Build Dallas has positioned itself at the forefront of addressing this need. The organization dedicates its work to providing homes for deserving single-mother families each year. In 2024, the journey began with a February kick-off event that impacted all who attended.
Strength Builder Contributions and Meaningful Support
Shortly after the event, IEA’s CEO, Shakeel Ahmed, and CFO, Joe Tabone, were moved by the stories and experiences they witnessed. Encouraged by Jennifer’s advocacy, they decided to support Women Build’s mission, with IEA stepping in as a ‘Strength Builder’ to help further the cause.
“Our team was deeply touched by the dedication and the life-changing work being done,” said Jennifer Smith, Director of IEA Marketing. “The decision to become a ‘Strength Builder’ was about being a part of something bigger and helping families like Martha’s find the stability they need to thrive.”
On May 1, 2024, IEA sponsored a build day as part of this ongoing initiative. Employees, including Deena Kamal, EIT, Lauren Adedokun, PE, Jason Barton, PE, Tom Morris, PE, and Victoria Bruno, joined Shakeel and Jennifer in contributing their time and energy to the physical construction of Martha’s new home. IEA’s commitment went beyond financial support, ensuring their team was directly involved in the process of building a home and making a difference.
Community Collaboration and the Road to Home Dedication
“Every five minutes, there is a Habitat home dedication across the world,” said Jim Campbell, Senior Director of Development at Dallas Area Habitat for Humanity. His words underscore the global impact of the Habitat organization and highlight the importance of local efforts like Women Build Dallas. Together with DART, Habitat for Humanity, and countless volunteers, the community is coming together to drive positive change for single-mother families.
The build culminated in the official Home Dedication for Martha in September 2024, marking a moment of celebration for both the family and the volunteers who contributed to making this dream a reality.
Get Involved
Individuals are encouraged to participate in Women Build 2025, an upcoming initiative that offers various opportunities for people to get involved, from fundraising to volunteering on build days. The joy and fulfillment of helping construct a home for a deserving family can profoundly impact the volunteers themselves.
“Housing should be an accessible right for all, and efforts like Women Build Dallas are key to making that a reality,” said Ashley Brundage, Chief Executive Officer of Dallas Area Habitat for Humanity. “By working together, we can make a meaningful difference.”
The story of Martha Rebollar and the ongoing efforts of Women Build Dallas serve as powerful reminders of what can be achieved when communities come together with purpose and compassion.
