“One of the motivations for Pride Build is to show that the LGBT community is not isolated from the greater community,” said Michael Meller, chairperson of Pride Build with Habitat for Humanity of Montgomery County, Maryland. “We are part of the whole. We are doing this for a low-income deserving family, regardless of whether they are LGBT or not.”

Pride Build began fundraising in February 2011, and has raised about two-thirds of the $60,000 needed to complete the home renovation. Habitat for Humanity is purchasing the distressed, 3-bedroom rancher in Silver Spring; the money raised by Pride Build will renovate the home, bring it up to code and make it energy efficient.

“We are thrilled to be opening our doors to such a wonderful, dedicated group,” said Amanda Fein, manager of individual and corporate gifts at Habitat for Humanity of Montgomery County, Md. “Habitat for Humanity is about inclusion of all people—volunteers, staff, and homeowners. We hope that Pride Build will be an annual event for us.”

Work on the home is scheduled to begin in mid-September and continue through the beginning of 2012.

Interested in lending a hand, or two? Groups of 10 can reserve a day of construction, while individuals can sign up for Open Build Days on September 24 and October 15. These fundraising events for Pride Build ask volunteers to donate $55 when they sign up.

And for those not so handy with power tools, have no fear!

“It’s not necessary to be a skilled construction person, because you are guided through it,” said Meller, who anticipates working on the renovation. Pride Build promises to be an enriching experience for those who want to know first-hand the thrill of strapping on a tool belt, working alongside local LGBT community members, and giving something back to a deserving, low-income family.

DETAILS: Pride Build. Open Build Days: Sept 24 and Oct 15. Habitat-MC.org/events/pride_build.html or 301.990.0014.