Giving Back – Habitat for Humanity’s Women Build

ENJOY Q&A, with Jenny Fales, Development Manager, Women Build,
Habitat for Humanity of Butte County

Tell us about Habitat for Humanity’s Women Build.
Women Build is as a fun, unique and impact-driven opportunity for women, men and businesses in the community to come together with others to build a stronger community, learn new skills, make new friends, and for women to be exposed to construction as a profession, plus raise money to support the Habitat for Humanity of Butte County mission. Women Build is also a terrific way to involve friends and family of all ages in crucial work with a lasting impact. The atmosphere is collaborative and friendly. Women helping women sends a positive and powerful message.

Did you know:

• 2024 marked 50 years since women were guaranteed by law the right to take out their own mortgage as a single woman without a male co-signer. Now single women outpace single men as sole homeowners.
• When purchasing homes, single women pay approximately 1% to 2% more than single men and then receive 2% to 3% less when selling.
• Affordable and equitable homeownership can help women create generational wealth in their families.

How many homes has Women Build helped construct in Butte County?
Each year, the Women Build Fundraiser participants break up into groups with a volunteer lead and they work on two to three houses. Activities have included the actual building of the walls, installing windows, siding or flooring, painting, building sheds, and many more, dependent on where we are in construction.

What skills are required for someone to participate in a Women Build event?
Anyone aged 16 and older—regardless of experience—can join as an individual or part of a team. Participants work under the guidance of construction professionals and alongside volunteers and future Habitat homeowners.

How can individuals or businesses get involved?
Once each year, we invite local businesses to join our Women Build Fundraiser Sponsorship Program. The levels vary and some include participant slots. All businesses receive recognition on our website, social media pages and monthly e-newsletter. Last year, 60 women and men and 25 local businesses participated in this event and raised just under $45,000. Businesses can and individuals can sign up on our website, www.buttehabitat.org/women-build.

How do you become a homeowner of a Women Build home?
Applicants must meet three key requirements: Need – Paying over 50% of income on housing, living in overcrowded or substandard conditions, or being impacted by a disaster. Partnership – Contributing 250 sweat equity hours per adult, helping build Habitat homes, and completing financial and homeownership classes.Purchase – Having a steady income, making a small down payment, and affording a low-interest mortgage with resale restrictions.

Once the home is complete, the family purchases it, pays property taxes, and invests in their community. Application details are on our website, www.buttehabitat.org/women-build.

When is the next Women Build event?
The 2025 Women Build Fundraiser is May 2-3, with full workdays from 8:30 am to 3 pm. Participants should wear closed-toed shoes, comfortable clothes, and bring work gloves (if available), a hat, sunscreen, and a water bottle. Orientation, tools, and safety training are provided. The minimum participation cost is $250, with most using our fundraising platform to gather support. To reserve a spot, participants register and pay $10. A t-shirt, tool belt, light breakfast, lunch, tools, and supervision are included. Those raising over $500 receive a special memento, and $1,000+ earn a small gift. •