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!
-
Construction Opportunities
-
No experience is needed. Our female construction staff and crew chiefs are glad to teach you everything you’ll need to accomplish the task at hand.
You can join Meredith for New Construction (south Tacoma) or Pam for Home Renovation (Spanaway).
If you sign up and become unavailable, please cancel your registration so someone may take your place.
Important: Women Build days are extremely popular, and we often have a waitlist.
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.
2026 Women Build Dates -
Women Build Night Market
-
We are grateful to the vendors, sponsors, and shoppers who attended the 2026 Women Build Night Market. We will be back in 2027 with new ideas that highlight and celebrate women in construction, bringing you another evening of connection, shopping, and inspiration.
Interested in sponsoring Women Build? Contact Tracey Sorenson: tsorenson@tpc-habitat.org | 253.627.5626 x 104
Meet Meredith, our first female Construction Site Manager:
Meet Alison, longtime Women Build Volunteer:
Meet Pam, Women Build Site Supervisor:
Meet Sarah and Lisa, Women Build Volunteers:
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.
