Women Build Mission Statement

The mission of the Women Build™ department of Habitat for Humanity® International is to work through affiliates to nurture, recruit and train women to build and maintain simple, decent, healthy and affordable houses.

Women Build in Dayton

Women Build began as a local program in Charlotte, North Carolina in 1991 and spread through other Habitat chapters (called affiliates) until it was adopted by Habitat for Humanity International (HFHI). It is now happening across this country, as well as in many others.

After working on an all woman build during a winter break in Ft. Myers, Florida, Ann (Mrs. Charles) Simms wanted to bring Women Build back to Dayton. This first build received wide community support, with over 300 women volunteers enlisting and Shery Oakes, owner of Design Home and Development Co., Inc., providing materials and the construction of the house’s foundation, crawl space and deck, establishing a solid foundation for the program here.

Women Build specifically seeks women volunteers in an effort to enable and empower local women, encouraging them to make a difference by building homes and communities. As stated in a 2004 HFHI newsletter, “Women Build is not about excluding men; it is about including women.” Over the years, the women volunteering have ranged from seasoned workers to local high school students learning how they can help make a difference.

To earn a Habitat home, partner families are required to put in 275-550 sweat equity hours. They are encouraged to save at least 20% of the hours for their own house, so families work alongside volunteers in building their home.

Dayton Ohio Habitat for Humanity celebrates its 11th Women Build this year!

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