Building 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. In Pierce County, that number over the past two years is close to 75%. As homeowners complete sweat equity hours and receive construction training, the women gain the skills and confidence to maintain their homes.
Women Build seeks to bring that sense of strength and self-reliance to all women. Any woman who wants to learn how to build a home is invited to join. 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.
Women Build 2019
Women Build is poised to grow into a holistic program that empowers women to recognize and realize their skills and talent and create opportunities for them to grow, both personally and professionally. The 2019 schedule offers a variety of engagement opportunities for women in Pierce County.
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Individual Membership
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Women Build members are granted priority for volunteer opportunities on Habitat build sites and other Women Build activities. As part of the annual membership package, they will also receive the following:
- Women Build v-neck shirt
- Women Build hoodie sweatshirt
- Lunch on the construction site
Annual membership packages are $120 and can be purchased here. Orders placed by April 15 will be available for pick up on or before May 11.
Back of shirts/sweatshirts:
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Sponsorship
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We are seeking Women Build sponsors to help us further our 2019 objectives of empowering women to recognize and grow their skills and talents, personally and professionally. Women Build sponsors are entitled to dedicated build days – which includes Women Build merchandise and lunches for participants. For more information on Women Build sponsorships, contact Community Engagement Manager, Tracey Sorenson.
2019 Committed Sponsors
We are excited to announce that the construction of a Women Build home built in honor of a female leader has been guaranteed by an anonymous lead sponsor for 2019. This amazing gift sets the stage for an annual Women Build house honoring a woman who has made a significant contribution to bettering the Pierce County community.
Tacoma Public Utilities and Regence have also committed funding for Women Build in 2019.
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Build Days
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The following dates have been established for Women Build construction site activities.
- Mother’s Day Build – Saturday, May 11 | Limited to 10 volunteers. Priority will be given to Women Build Members; non-members can fill any vacancies on the volunteer schedule 24 hours before the build begins.
Additional dates will be added as the construction schedule allows and to accommodate Women Build sponsors.
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Alternative Construction Activities
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Women Build is planning these alternative construction activities in 2019:
- Garden Boxes – Saturday, April 20 and Saturday, April 27
With a grant from Regence/Cambia and support from local volunteer group Garden Angels, resident leaders from Habitat for Humanity’s Tillicum neighborhood will spearhead a project to build raised garden boxes for their community. Join the work crew for this exciting project. Space is limited and priority will be given to Women Build members. - Bench-Building – Dates to be announced soon!
Women Build will lead volunteers in making planter-box benches to be sold in the Habitat Stores in the spring and summer 2019. Look for more info and for planter-box bench order forms in each of the Habitat Stores by April 5.
- Garden Boxes – Saturday, April 20 and Saturday, April 27
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Skills Workshops
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In conjunction with Habitat Connects, Women Build is coordinating a series of hands-on workshops to teach basic home-repair skills. Topics include: electrical, plumbing, carpentry, caulking, tile setting, water heater repair, flooring, trim, lawn care, landscaping and more!
Check the Events Calendar for upcoming sessions!
Purchase your 2019 Women Build membership today.
To stay informed, join the Tacoma Women Build Facebook group and/or request to be on our email list.
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.
