Women Build expands in 2026, set to recruit record number of participants
Nearly 1,000 total Chicago women will help fund and actively construct townhomes and garages in West Pullman during the month of October.
CHICAGO, IL – Habitat for Humanity Chicago is seeking 30 more women volunteer Team Leaders for its largest-ever Women Build. Typically an event of about 70 teams over 12 days in October, the 2026 Women Build hopes to expand to 98 teams over the course of 14 days.
Women Build is Habitat Chicago’s largest annual fundraising and volunteer event. Since the early 1990s, the program has shined a light on women coming together to support each other and overcoming the hurdles women face on the path to homeownership. Hundreds of women throughout Chicago volunteer their time, voices, and collective power to raise funds and advance construction on homes that are oftentimes purchased by women-led households.
“There’s a pay gap for women. There are unequal lending opportunities for women, and women often bear the majority of child and elder family care, reducing the amount of time they can devote to pursuing homeownership,” explains Jennifer Parks, Executive Director for Habitat Chicago. “But the reality is women can and do excel at homeownership, and through Women Build, we want to help more women become first-time homebuyers.”
Women Build Team Leaders will recruit and lead up to nine women who collectively fundraise at least $8,500 by October 30 and participate in one October build day at Habitat Chicago’s 20-unit townhome development in West Pullman.
The 10-women teams can center around the workplace, community or faith groups, or friends and family. No construction experience is necessary, and prizes are awarded to the top team and individual fundraisers.
Contact events@habitatchicago.org to learn how to register as a Women Build Team Leader or individual builder. Learn more about Women Build at chicagowomenbuild.org.
About Habitat for Humanity Chicago
Habitat Chicago is a nonprofit organization that champions healthy neighborhoods by investing in resident priorities, building quality homes, and supporting homeownership. We believe in a world where everyone has a decent place to live, and we currently work toward this vision at the neighborhood level in West Pullman, Greater Grand Crossing, and Austin. For more information, visit habitatchicago.org and connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
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