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 three years is close to 75%. As homeowners complete sweat equity hours and receive construction training, they 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.
Join us!
-
Women Build Membership
-
By investing in Women Build, you are helping provide valuable skills and knowledge that empower women to take on challenges in all aspects of their lives. You can support Women Build by purchasing an annual Women Build membership for yourself or give one as a gift.
Women Build membership is $120 annually. Payments can be made in 12 monthly installments ($10/month) if desired.
Women Build members receive:
- Access to the Women Build Skills Workshop video library
- Priority registration for quarterly Women Build construction opportunities
- Women Build t-shirt
To become a member, or gift a membership to someone else, click here. Once you finalize your membership purchase, you will be provided an access code to view/register for members-only activities.
Please note that all 2021-2022 memberships are valid 7/1/21 through 6/30/22.
Back of Women Build t-shirts:
-
Construction Opportunities
-
There are two in-person Women Build days coming up: Saturday, April 9 and Saturday, June 25.
Registration priority for build days will be given to 2021/2022 Women Build Members and program sponsors, but anyone can sign up on the waitlist. http://womenbuild.tacomahabitat.volunteerhub.com
To keep up to date on construction opportunities, join the Women Build Facebook group.
-
Sponsorship
-
Women Build sponsors help sustain our program. In addition to coveted build site opportunities, the benefits of becoming a Women Build sponsor includes the opportunity to present workshop topics of your choice, plus social media and website recognition. Some levels include the opportunity for your CEO to share their advocacy for affordable housing with Habitat’s audience via our Leadership Spotlight.
Contact Tracey Sorenson for more information on becoming a Women Build sponsor.
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.
