Guest Commentary: Building stronger communities: 15 years of support for Women Build
Southwest Florida is more than just where we live – it’s a place we call home, where neighbors look out for one another and where community involvement is a way of life. Whether through volunteering or supporting local organizations, we are proud to give back to our community.
As local community bank founders, my husband, Geoff, and I have always seen our work as more than just banking. It’s about building relationships with members of our community and nurturing the kind of personal connections that make our neighborhood a better place for everyone.
That’s why we’re honored to play a small part in helping our region thrive, and why we remain deeply committed to giving back through service on nonprofit boards, hands-on volunteering and philanthropy. Throughout our 28 years in business, we’ve had the privilege of supporting over 200 local organizations through event and lecture series sponsorships, programs, parades and festivals, volunteer initiatives and more. One of the organizations we’re especially proud to support is Habitat for Humanity of Lee and Hendry Counties.
This year, Habitat for Humanity of Lee and Hendry Counties is celebrating 15 years of its Women Build initiative. Women Build is a national initiative to engage women in the effort to provide safe and decent homes for families in need of affordable housing. By recruiting, educating and inspiring women to build, they are transforming lives and communities.
Since 2011, Habitat for Humanity of Lee and Hendry Counties has empowered women on their path to financial stability and homeownership through Women Build. These homes represent more than walls and roofs – they are symbols of financial stability, independence, and hope for the future. Over the past 15 years, we’ve seen firsthand how these homes have transformed the lives of 30 female-headed families, providing a foundation for children to grow up in a safe, stable environment and ensure families have the tools to break the cycle of poverty.
We’re proud to have been a sponsor of this initiative since the beginning. From financial contributions to our team rolling up our sleeves to help raise a wall, we have been committed to helping local women become homeowners and make a better life for their families.
In 2024, an astounding 81% of Habitat’s future homeowners in Lee and Hendry Counties were female-led households. This statistic alone underscores the growing need for affordable housing solutions tailored to women and families. It’s a reminder that Women Build is a lifeline for those striving for stability, security and a place to call their own.
We are deeply rooted in Southwest Florida, and our commitment to initiatives like Women Build reflects our belief that strong communities are built when we lift one another up. Our community has faced significant challenges in recent years, yet in times of need, we’ve witnessed the remarkable ways that people come together with strength and unwavering support.
As we reflect on 15 years of partnership with Women Build, we also look to the future with a renewed sense of purpose. The need for affordable housing in Southwest Florida continues to rise, but so does the opportunity for each of us to play a role. Whether you donate time, resources or expertise, there’s a way for everyone to make a tangible difference. Together, we can help build a future where every family has the opportunity to thrive.
Robbie Roepstorff is the president of Edison National Bank/Bank of the Islands, Lee County’s oldest locally owned and managed community bank. Founded in 1997, Edison National Bank is strongly rooted in the community and actively supports civic and charitable causes through both donations and volunteerism.