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. 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!
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Sponsorship
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Tacoma Habitat is seeking sponsorships to underwrite Women Build’s programming. With your help, we will be able to provide one Women Build day per quarter, open to all women who wish to spend a day learning from our female construction staff and crew chiefs.
Women Build 2023/2024 is presented by:
with additional support from:
McKinney Trailer Rentals
Robblee’s Total Security, Inc.
Contact Tracey Sorenson for more information on becoming a Women Build sponsor.
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Construction Opportunities
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Check here for upcoming Women Build days open to the public.
No experience is needed to join us. 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.
To keep up to date on construction opportunities and other Women Build events, join the Women Build Facebook group.
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.