what is Women Build?

Women Build is a national Habitat for Humanity initiative designed to engage, educate and empower women to transform lives and strengthen communities by providing safe and affordable homes for families in need. Since 1994, Habitat Greensboro’s Women Build has partnered with six families to build strength and stability through local fundraising and volunteer building efforts.

A Women Build Team is an enthusiastic group of women that actively fundraise together on behalf of Habitat Greensboro Women Build. Team fundraising efforts are essential in reaching our fundraising goal of $100,000. Teams also volunteer at the build site to help with construction of the homes.

Through shelter, we empower. Habitat Greensboro homeowners build their own homes alongside volunteers and purchase a home with an affordable mortgage.

A decent home gives us the strength, stability and independence to take care of ourselves and build our own futures.

read about Chelsi, a recent success story

For Chelsi, home has always meant safety. For many years though, that sense of safety was something she could only dream about.

A single mother determined to provide a better life for her children, Chelsi spent years working long hours while raising her family. Her apartment was supposed to be their refuge, but instead, it became a place of fear. There were nights when domestic violence broke out next door, and one terrifying evening when a bullet came through her apartment wall, pierced her apartment wall dangerously close to her son, she knew she needed to do something different.

That moment changed everything. “I just wanted peace of mind,” she said. “Somewhere safe where I could let my kids go outside without fear.”

When a friend told her about Habitat for Humanity of Greater Greensboro, Chelsi knew it was time to take the first step toward the life she had been praying to have for her family. The journey wasn’t easy. Between her job and caring for her children, finding time to complete her required Sweat Equity hours was difficult. But she refused to give up.

“I felt like I started a race,” Chelsi said. “And you should always finish what you start.”

Through hard work, faith, and the support of Habitat Greensboro volunteers and donors, Chelsi crossed that finish line. Today, she and her children live in a safe, stable home of their own. Her home is a place filled with laughter, warmth, and hope for the future.

Last year's Women Build teams may be familiar with Chelsi's story. With many teams raising paintbrushes and razors to put the final touches on Chelsi's home, last years Women Build helped carry Chelsi's new home across the finish line. Chelsi’s story is a powerful reminder of how affordable housing transforms lives, and it is made possible by the generosity of supporters like you. Together, we can help more families turn dreams into reality.

in memory of Janet Ward Black

This year, we dedicate our Women Build in memory of Janet Ward Black, a faithful champion of Habitat for Humanity of Greater Greensboro. Janet Ward will be forever cherished for her generosity, compassion, and unwavering commitment to creating lasting change in our community.

As the leader of Ward Black Law, the largest woman-owned law firm in North Carolina, Janet Ward Black was a trailblazer and inspired generations of women to lead boldly and give back. She was a long-time supporter of Women Build, believing that "everyone deserves a home, and to be treated with dignity."

A Habitat Greensboro supporter for over 30 years, her gracious contributions helped fund numerous Habitat Greensboro homes and Global Village International Builds. Janet Ward served dutifully as a volunteer, both locally and abroad, while encouraging her staff to join her in civic engagement.

In 2025, Habitat Greensboro was honored to present the Habitat Hero Award to Janet Ward Black, alongside her husband, Gerard Davidson.

We are humbled by her legacy, and in awe of her impact. In her memory, we build.

Women Build 2026

Strong women build strong communities

Team Leaderboard

Team Members