ROCKPORT — Teams of women from Camden National Bank and Camden-Rockport Middle School grabbed hammers and drills and volunteered with Midcoast Habitat for Humanity during National Women Build Week, May 1-8. During that week, more than 300 Habitat affiliates nationwide hosted women build projects in partnership with Lowe's, the underwriter of Habitat's Women Build program.

National Women Build Week challenges women to come together and devote at least one day to helping address the need for affordable housing in their community.

"We are so excited to participate in National Women Build Week," said Tia Anderson, executive director of Midcoast Habitat, in a news release. "It's a great opportunity for women of all skill levels to come together to help those in need of housing in our community."

This year, Midcoast Habitat's project took place at the Hospitality House in Rockport, converting the garage to better serve their clients in the intake process.

"This is our third year working with Midcoast Habitat for Humanity, and we were so proud to partner with them on this new collaboration with the Knox County Homeless Coalition to help house those in need in our community," said Carissa Christie, Midcoast market manager for Camden National Bank. "All of our local managers love helping Habitat, and our work had extra special meaning this year because it allowed us to support two great organizations at the same time. We enjoyed working with all of the other volunteers and were very thankful for the snacks the families made for us. It was a wonderful experience."

Locally, Midcoast Habitat has built more than 28 houses, with Women Build volunteers participating for the past five years. Lowe’s of Thomaston continues to offer a lot of support in all of Habitat’s efforts, and especially Women Build.

Lowe's contributes more than $1.75 million to National Women Build Week and provides $5,000 Lowe's gift cards to more than 300 participating affiliates. National Women Build Week is one of the major initiatives supported through Lowe's five-year, $20 million pledge to Habitat. As the underwriter of the Women Build program since 2004, Lowe's also conducts "How-To" clinics at local stores to teach women key construction skills that will empower them to support Habitat projects across the country.

Visit habitat.org/wb for more information on National Women Build Week.

Midcoast Habitat is completing a rehab on Brewster Street in Rockland and will be participating in Habitat International's Homebuilders Blitz, June 6-12. During that week, members of the local building community will come together, partnering with Midcoast Habitat to construct two homes for qualifying Habitat partner families. These homes are also located on Brewster Street.

FMI: Visit midcoasthabitat.org or call 207-236-6123.