Bonnie St. Pierre

Let’s be honest—I am not exactly known for my construction skills. If you asked people to describe me, “handy with power tools” or “built for manual labor” would not make the list. Some might even say quite the opposite. But what I do have is determination, a willingness to learn, and the understanding that sometimes, the best way to get things done is by leaning on the people around you.

I got my first real taste of hands-on work when I remodeled my first home. I wasn’t a pro by any means, but I learned how to figure things out—one project at a time. And while I didn’t do it alone, that experience taught me that building something with your own hands is deeply rewarding. Now, I’m excited to bring that same energy to this all-girl Habitat for Humanity fundraiser, not as an expert, but as someone ready to contribute, learn, and support the women around me.

Habitat for Humanity is about more than just building houses—it’s about providing families with stability and a foundation for the future. A home isn’t just a physical structure; it’s security, opportunity, and the space where memories are made. And while I may not be the most skilled builder, I know that with the right people by my side, anything is possible.

That’s why the all-girl aspect of this fundraiser is so powerful. Too often, women aren’t encouraged to take on hands-on, physical work, but this event is proof that we can. We may not all have construction experience, but together, we’ll figure it out. I’ll be leaning on the incredible women around me, just as they’ll be leaning on me, because that’s the beauty of community—we fill in each other’s gaps, we problem-solve as a team, and we make things happen.

For the families receiving these homes, this isn’t just about shelter—it’s about security, dignity, and the ability to plan for a better future. And for me, this is a chance to step outside my day-to-day routine and contribute in a new way. I may not know every step of the process, but I know that, together, we will build something meaningful.

That’s why I’m volunteering. Because every home we build is a step toward a stronger, more empowered community. And if I pick up a new skill or two—and a few funny stories—along the way, even better.