GOLDSBORO – Hammers and nails were the tools of the day for a team of female volunteers from N.C. Wesleyan College as they participated in a two-day Habitat for Humanity house-building project in a Goldsboro neighborhood. Students and staff from the adult and professional studies program, (ASPIRE) located on the N.C. Wesleyan College’s Goldsboro campus joined women of all ages in the Women’s Build 2012 to help complete houses in the Pikeville area.

Those who participated said it was a rewarding experience that allowed the volunteers to serve the community while learning new skills.

“Now I know if I ever need to shingle a roof, I can do it myself” said Wesleyan student, Deidre Exum.

Other volunteers learned to overcome some of their fears.

“Wesleyan student, Carol Hines climbed up and down the scaffold several times before finally conquering her fear of heights,” Goldsboro campus director Laura Estes said. “Then, she made it to the top of the roof to assist others with shingle assembly.”

Working alongside volunteers from various Wayne County businesses, the N.C. Wesleyan women donned heavy gloves, tool belts and work boots to handle insulation, install vinyl siding and nail roof shingles.

The Habitat house recipients also participated in the building process.

The Habitat for Humanity homeownership program builds simple, decent and affordable homes for families in need, who meet the qualifying standards and are willing to partner with the organization. Many of the Women’s Build participants took a personal interest in the success of the project.

According the organization’s newsletter, 90 women generated more than $4,000 in pledges to support the construction during this event.

“Emotions ran high as volunteers took turns writing messages of hope and good luck to the new homeowner in indelible ink on the new home’s interior frame,” Estes said.

Although the messages will be covered by sheetrock and other materials, the spirit of the N.C. Wesleyan 
volunteers will remain as part of the foundation of these new homes and ongoing support for the families that will live there.

N.C. Wesleyan College is a private, liberal arts institution affiliated with the United Methodist Church. Dedicated to its mission of preparing students for professional advancement, life-long learning and responsible participation in their communities, N.C. Wesleyan College supports locations in Rocky Mount, 
Goldsboro, Raleigh-Durham and Wilmington.

For more information, please visit www.ncwc.edu.