Women building homes and communities

Habitat program helps women construct own houses.

It takes a woman to build a village.

A Habitat for Humanity program, called Women Build, creates new homes for Winnipeg families and at the same time supports women as leaders. While the Habitat model provides much needed affordable housing for the community, it also helps families break the cycle of poverty.

Women Build homes are constructed by women who volunteer their labour to learn and advance their house-building skills. A dedicated group, Women Build volunteers plan fundraising events with a goal to raise enough money every year for a Habitat home.

Since 2005, Women Build in Winnipeg has funded and built eight homes for Habitat for Humanity partner families to purchase. After being selected for the program and completing a minimum of 350 volunteer hours, homeowners purchase their homes with no money down, and an interest-free mortgage with payments geared to income rather than property value.

Habitat for Humanity then reinvests the mortgage payments received from homeowners back into the build program, which will develop more homes in future years. Supporting Women Build is an investment in the community that yields a measurable financial return, in perpetuity.

The program includes women of all ages and backgrounds. To get involved or learn more about Women Build contact Kim Wilson at 235-2400 or email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . To make a donation to Women Build, visit www.habitat.mb.ca/donate-personal.cfm