It is so amazing to be named the 14th honoree of the 2024 Women Build and the first African American woman given this honor. I am so grateful. Growing up, I remember always having a place to call home, whether it was the two-room flat in Wellston, Missouri, or the ten-room home in St. Louis that we moved into while I was in high school. My Mom and Dad always provided that special, safe place we called home. For me, home is the place you can always go back to, so as children, we knew no matter how far we strayed, we could always go home. I moved to Iowa City in 1989 to marry my husband, Orville. We blended our families, his two children and my two children. Now, we have seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. I worked for the University of Iowa for 30 years, volunteered on various commissions and committees, and have been instrumental in supporting many cultural events in the community. This is my first involvement with Women Build, but I know about the great work that Habitat has done and look forward to full participation in this project. Affordable housing, especially in the Iowa City area, has been needed, and it will take all of us to find a way to get more housing for those working hard to provide homes for their families. I am so excited to be a part of this project. There are many ways to contribute, but I ask for your financial support today. My committee set a goal to raise $55,000 to help two families needing safe and affordable housing. Your donation, no matter the amount, will help reach that goal. Thank you for your role in this transformative journey. I can’t wait to see you at the build in August. Thanks for your continued support, Billie Townsend | 
