Building Up Women, Not Just Houses
Founded in 1991 by Habitat for Humanity, Women Build is a program that encourages the involvement of women in the construction of Habitat homes.
Nationwide, more than 60% of Habitat homeowners are female heads of household. Since 2019, that number locally is almost 75%.
Any woman who wants to learn how to build a home is invited to join Women Build. The atmosphere is collaborative and friendly, and no experience is necessary. Whether you are learning new skills or simply adding a few to your tool belt, Women Build is a rewarding experience for all involved, and improves the community we share.
Join us!
Get Involved!
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Construction Opportunities
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Check out our 2025 Women Build dates HERE.
No experience is needed. Our female construction staff and crew chiefs are glad to teach you everything you’ll need to accomplish the task(s) at hand.
Important: Women Build days are extremely popular, and we often have a waitlist. Due to this, we ask that if you are unable to attend your registered shift you please cancel in our system. You will also be asked to confirm your participation by email one week in advance . Those who don’t confirm will be dropped from the event to ensure those who want to participate have a space.
Please also note:
- Volunteers must be at least 16 years old, and those under age 18 must be accompanied by parent or guardian.
- Tacoma Habitat cannot sign off on court-ordered volunteer mandates.
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Women Build 2025 Fundraiser
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We hosted our first ever Women Build Night Market on May 9 and it was an inspirational night filled with vibrant vendors, inspiring, speakers, vibey music, and delicious pizza!
Thanks to your incredible support, we reached our initial Women Build goal of $40,000—enough to reserve monthly Women Build volunteer days for the next year!
But we’re not stopping there.
Now, we’re working toward something even bigger:
an entire Habitat house built by women.We’ve set our sights on raising $100,000 to sponsor a House Built by Women, and we need your help to make it happen.
Donate Now to contribute directly
Register Now to launch your own peer-to-peer fundraising pageBy setting up a fundraising page, you can invite friends, family, and colleagues to support this incredible mission—and earn exciting incentives like exclusive Women Build merch and reserved volunteer days along the way!
When women come together, powerful things happen. With your help, we can continue to provide female-identifying individuals with the opportunity to build skills, grow confidence, and lead their communities.
Inspired Women Inspire.
Be a part of something bold. Be a part of something lasting.For sponsorship opportunities contact Tracey Sorenson (tsorenson@tpc-habitat.org) or 253-627-5626 x 104. Click here to apply as a vendor.
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Women Build Merch
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You heard it here, exclusive 2025 Women Build Merch is now available for purchase! Visit any of our Habitat Store locations in Tacoma, Lakewood, Puyallup, or Spanaway to grab your Women Build merchandise! Every purchase directly supports our Women Build program.
Pricing:
Hoodie…………………………………………………………….$40
T-Shirt…………………………………………………………….$25
Ball Cap…………………………………………………………..$20
Tote Bag………………………………………………………….$15
Beanie ……………………………………………………………$15
Tacoma Public Utilities, a long-time supporter of Women Build, shared this video about their 2023 day on site.
History of Women Build
In 1991 a group of women in Charlotte, NC completed the first women-built Habitat for Humanity house, planting the seeds for Habitat for Humanity’s Women Build program.
In 1997, first lady Hillary Clinton participated in a Women Build along with the first ladies from Kentucky and Oklahoma.
By 1998, Women Build had become an official Habitat for Humanity program.
The Tacoma/Pierce County Habitat for Humanity affiliate has been participating in Women Build since 2001. Over 100 women volunteer each year, contributing time and funds to Habitat, as well as support to one another and to Habitat homeowners.
Women Build is growing internationally as well, empowering women everywhere to address poverty housing for themselves, their families, and their neighbors. Dozens of international Women Builds have taken place. The program aims to direct financial assistance to women-led projects worldwide.
Visit Habitat for Humanity International’s website for a comprehensive Women Build History.
