Every woman has the power to build the world.

Women Build volunteers come together from all walks of life to build stronger, safer communities. Women can create significant change in their neighborhoods by volunteering and bringing attention to the fact that homeownership is a pathway to better financial futures, better education, better health, and a more cared-for, connected community.

Any individual who wants to learn how to build a home is invited to join us; no experience is necessary. Volunteers work under the guidance of construction professionals and alongside other volunteers and future Habitat homeowners. Whether you are learning new skills or simply adding a few to your tool belt, this is a rewarding experience for all involved, and one that improves the community we share.

Quick facts:

  • Years running:
    Since 2007 locally and since 1988 nationwide

  • Total raised:
    Over $1.2m locally

Wanna join us next time?

Join our interest list, and we’ll let you know when our next Women Build event is scheduled.

Why Women Build?

At Habitat for Humanity, we know that safe, affordable housing means that individuals and families have the opportunity to thrive. However, women face challenges that make it more difficult to access this basic need. These challenges include:

  • Higher rates of poverty for female heads of households:
    Fifteen percent of adult women lived in poverty in 2017 and make up sixty six percent of the low-wage workforce. Thirty one percent of female-headed households with children are below the poverty level.

  • Housing discrimination:
    People of color, women, and low-and moderate-income borrowers across the United States of America continue to receive a disproportionate amount of high cost loans.

  • The wage gap:
    Women still earn, on average, 80 percent of what the average male earns. This pay gap is even greater for Black and Hispanic women, in particular.

Additionally, construction is still a largely male-dominated field. Women Build offers the opportunity for fundraiser volunteers to join us in bringing attention to systemic barriers to affordable housing, and helping to build strength and stability for all of our neighbors.

27% of San Diego Habitat’s new homeowners have been single female heads of household.

40% of San Diego Habitat’s Home Preservation and Critical Home Repair projects have been on homes with single female heads of household.

Event Recap

May 2024 • 170 Women Builders • over $104,000 raised

As part of our 16th annual event, builders worked to restore a Logan Heights home that suffered flood damage during January’s rainstorms, focusing on critical exterior repairs like replacing fencing and implementing flood-resistant landscaping.

Eleven teams participated in our first-ever playhouse build competition, with each creation to be donated to local families and nonprofit partners, including the Make-A-Wish Foundation and The Chicano Federation. Congratulations again to our playhouse competition winners!

1st place
Onyx Construction with their in the woods log cabin playhouse

2nd place
Banc of California and Salesforce with their pirate ship playhouse

3rd place
US Bank and our individual builders with their castle playhouse

Thank you to our 2024 sponsors!