Soroptimist International of Mariposa recently made a donation to Habitat for Humanity of Mariposa County (“Mariposa Habitat”).  A nonprofit, ecumenical Christian housing ministry, Mariposa Habitat builds simple and affordable homes in partnership with those in need of decent housing.  Families purchase the homes through no profit mortgages.  Habitat has housed more than 1.1 million people worldwide. 

Mariposa Habitat was officially formed on March 1, 2008, although its members worked for the prior two years to obtain that official status.  In 2011, Mariposa Habitat built its first home.  More recently, Mariposa Habitat is constructing its third home.  During the construction of the third home, Mariposa Habitat has worked alongside a selected family who demonstrates a need and willingness to partner with Habitat.  That family invests hours of “sweat-equity” into the building of the house and homeownership classes.  Their monthly mortgage payments will help fund the construction of more houses.  Mariposa Habitat is seeking out grants and corporate financing.  Donations are also received through Habitat’s Cars for Homes vehicle donation program.   For more information about Habitat for Humanity of Mariposa County call (209) 966-7444.

Soroptimist is an international volunteer organization for business and professional women who work to improve the lives of women and girls in local communities and throughout the world.  In addition to participating in international projects, the Mariposa Club achieves this mission locally by giving scholarships to graduating seniors, presenting monetary awards to women that are the heads of their households seeking further education, and donating funds and services to organizations, including Mountain Crisis, Ethos and the John C. Fremont Hospital Foundation.  For more information about Soroptimist International of Mariposa please contact President Dianne Fritz at (209) 769-1451, visit us on-line at: simariposa.org or find us on Facebook.

Article by Anita Starchman Bryant