Habitat for Humanity International officially formed Women Build in 1998 to promote the involvement of women in the construction of Habitat for Humanity homes. At that time, about seven Habitat for Humanity homes were built by women each year. Since that time, thousands of homes have been built by women crews around the world- more than 1,200 since Women Build began. Since its birth, the Women Build program has grown into an international movement. Here in St. Louis, Women Build has become a vital component of the affiliate's partnership programs.

The Evolution of Women Build

1991

A group of women in Charlotte, North Carolina complete the first Habitat for Humanity house built by an all-female crew. With this event, the seeds for Habitat for Humanity's Women Build program are planted. A handful of Habitat for Humanity affiliates continue to build houses with women crews.

1997

As part of the Jimmy Carter Work Project, U.S. First Lady Hillary Clinton, Kentucky First Lady Libby Jones, and Oklahoma First Lady Cathy Keating participate in a Women Build. The idea for Habitat's "First Ladies Build" program is born.

1998

Habitat for Humanity International officially establishes its Women Build department.

1999-2001

The Women Build department hosts the First Ladies Build. Women governors and first ladies from all 50 states join Habitat for Humanity to build houses with families in need.

2001

Women Build launches "Women Building a Legacy." United States first ladies, celebrities, and women from all walks of life swing hammers to actively address the problem of children living in poverty.

2003

Lowe's signs on as the official underwriter of Habitat for Humanity's Women Build. Home Interiors and Gifts, Inc. becomes Women Build's major sponsor. Since 2003, the program has more than doubled in size.

2006

32,000 volunteers complete 160 Women Build houses.

2006-2007

Women Build's "First Families Building Homes Across America" unites women volunteers with governors' spouses as well as local and statewide leaders to construct Habitat homes in every U.S. state and the District of Columbia. 52 homes are built throughout the country.

2007

Women Build volunteers build more than 200 homes.

2008

Lowe's sponsors the inaugural National Women Build Week, held in the days leading up to Mother's Day. More than 6,000 women volunteers participate through more than 150 Habitat affiliates across the United States.

Today

More than 1,400 official Women Build homes have been completed since 1998. The program is growing across international borders and empowering women everywhere to address poverty housing for themselves, their families, and their neighbors.

Read more about the history of Women Build International.

Women Build here in St. Louis

Here in St. Louis, our own Women Build group is a collaborative effort to teach and empower women and to effect change in the community. As partners on 15 homes with the local affiliate since 1996, we are the oldest Women Build group in the U.S. We are actively addressing the problem of families living in substandard housing in our city through our direct support of Habitat for Humanity Saint Louis. We are part of the solution - one house and one family at a time. We hope you'll join us!