In 1991, a group of women in Charlotte, N.C., completed the first Habitat home built solely by women. After this, the seed was planted for the Habitat for Humanity Women Build. A few years later, Habitat for Humanity International (HFHI) formed the Women Build department and the Women Build program became an official initiative. Women Build aims to empower women to help families build strength and independence. According to HFHI, “our neighborhoods are comprised largely of women and children, they are also the population’s most likely to be affected by poor living conditions,” (HFHI, 2019, para.1). Habitat seeks to advocate for these women and supply them with the proper tools needed to live a financially stable life.

Women Build also works internationally in developing countries to provide women with safer living conditions and access to clean water, indoor plumbing and education. The Global Village program takes trips that are specifically for the Women Build program. This year’s trip is to Paraguay, where volunteers will be providing indoor plumbing and fixing run-down homes and buildings. Women that partner with Habitat and volunteer on these projects do not need previous experience because they are working alongside construction professionals. Also, this opportunity is not only for women, but men can also participate in these builds as well. Women Build just offers a place for women to learn the skills needed to build a home.

This program is available to anyone who wants to volunteer their time, learn a new skill, and provide women with a secure place to live. Habitat for Humanity of Northeast Georgia has participated in this event before, and it was a huge success. They built three homes for women in our local community and are hoping to participate in this event in the near future. To get more information on how you can help this program, or to find a Women Build event near you, visit https://www.habitat.org/volunteer.near-you/women-build.