Women Build is a national Habitat for Humanity campaign designed to bring women together to construct affordable homes, raise awareness about housing issues, and make a lasting impact in the communities we serve. At Habitat DC-NOVA, this campaign offers women of all skill levels the opportunity to learn construction basics while contributing to the expansion of affordable homeownership.
Teams sign up and work together to raise $2,500 and volunteer with us at our ReStores, with playhouse builds, or on our construction sites. This year, we have been hosting corporate and individual volunteer groups for build days at our Constitution Avenue project site in D.C. We appreciate the involvement of everyone who signed up to support our mission of safe, decent housing for all!
Happy Hour Event
On May 21st, we had a Women Build Happy Hour event at the Screwtop Wine Bar! Women Build participants, volunteers, and local Habitat supporters came out to network and support this year’s initiative. This event was also co-hosted by the Women’s Giving Circle, a group made up of women interested in raising funds and awareness about affordable housing in D.C. and Northern Virginia. Consider joining the WGC and becoming more involved with Habitat’s mission!
Why Women Build matters
Women, and especially women of color, face persistent barriers to homeownership, including wage disparities and limited access to financing. Single women pay more for their homes compared to single men, and end up selling for 2-3% less than men as well. Fortunately, at Habitat DC-NOVA, women make up a significant portion of the families we serve. By equipping women with tools, training, and a platform to lead, Women Build directly supports our mission to create affordable housing solutions that are inclusive and sustainable.
From the construction industry perspective, women are underrepresented. This campaign also allows for opportunities to “’give construction a try’ in a less intimidating environment,” as NOVA Construction Supervisor Kelly Renaud puts it. “We can renormalize what a typical job site looks like and create a bigger community of passionate and talented individuals.”
Women Build allows us to bring together women and gender non-conforming individuals to fundraise, build, and connect. When members of our community are encouraged to try their hand at volunteering by building homes, they get a firsthand view of how resilience and community are fostered through affordable housing. Diversity in home construction and homeownership offerings leads to more equitable access and fairness in affordable housing and the community at large.
Women Build lifts up future homeowners and shows what’s possible when women come together with a shared purpose. Whether you swing a hammer, raise funds, or lend your voice to advocacy efforts, you are helping build a future where every woman—and every family—has a decent place to call home.
Get involved and make a difference today by supporting Women Build!