February 24-28, 2026
February 24-28, 2026
Looking to make a lasting impact in your community? Women Build is your chance to team up with other women to help a female-led family achieve their dream of homeownership. By raising funds and working hands-on to build a home, you’ll be empowering others to change their lives and strengthen our community. No experience is needed—HFHCC staff and skilled volunteers will guide you every step of the way.
Along the journey, you’ll learn new skills, make new friends, and create unforgettable memories.
Gather friends and family and join us. Whether you’re on the build site, cheering from the sidelines, or helping fund the materials that bring this house to life, there’s a place for you
Sign up and attend orientation before volunteering: https://cravencountyhabitat.org/volunteer/
Additional orientation dates have been added for this event.
Women Build Shifts: February 24-28, 2026
- Tuesday 24 - 1 PM - 4 PM
- Wednesday 25 - 12 PM - 4 PM
- Thursday 26 - 8 AM - 12 PM
- Friday 27 - 8 AM - 12 PM
- Saturday 28 - 9 AM - 12 PM / 1 PM - 3 PM
We hope you will join us as we build, celebrate, and make a lasting impact together.
Groups, please contact Tracey Lilly: TLilly@CravenCountyHabitat.org, 252.633.9599 x100
We hope you’ll join us!
Another option in addition to (or in place of) serving on the build-site is to make a donation or ‘buy’ an item for the Women Build home. Items are listed below and available in a variety of options and price points:
- $40 - Double box of nails
- $79 - Bucket of paint (25-30 gallons needed per home)
- $100 - 2x4 Stud for framing (200 needed)
- $500 - Roof truss (26 supports one roof)
- $1,000 - Cabinets for bathroom (2 needed)
Gallery
History Of Women Build
1991
1991
A group of women in Charlotte, NC, completes the first women-built Habitat for Humanity house. With this event, the seeds for Habitat’s Women Build program are planted. A handful of Habitat affiliates continue to build houses with women crews.
1997
1997
As part of the Jimmy & Rosalynn Carter Work Project, U.S. first lady Hillary Clinton, Kentucky first lady Libby Jones, and Oklahoma first lady Cathy Keating participated in a Women Build. The idea for Habitat’s First Ladies Build is born.
1998
1998
Habitat for Humanity International forms the Women Build department as it becomes an official program.
1999–2001
1999–2001
The Women Build department hosts the First Ladies Build. Women governors and first ladies from all 50 states join Habitat to build houses with families in need.
2003
2003
Lowe’s signs on as Women Build’s underwriter. Home Interiors and Gifts, Inc. becomes a major sponsor of Women Build.
2006–2007
2006–2007
Women Build’s First Families Building Homes Across America unites women volunteers with governors’ spouses and local and statewide leaders to construct Habitat homes in every U.S. state and the District of Columbia. Fifty-two homes are built throughout the country.
2008
2008
Lowe’s sponsors National Women Build Week, held in the days leading up to Mother’s Day. In the inaugural year, about 6,000 women volunteers participated at more than 150 Habitat affiliates across the United States.
2009-2017
2009-2017
Lowe’s commits $1 million each year to National Women Build Week, which expands and gains momentum.
2018
2018
More than 130,000 volunteers impacts more than 5,000 individuals in combined annual national and international events.
2019–2021
2019–2021
The program continues to grow across international borders, empowering women everywhere to address housing issues for themselves, their families and their neighbors.