Build for Empowerment: Habitat for Humanity of Lee and Hendry Counties hosts 2025 Women Build Kickoff Party
Fundraising initiative supports critical need for affordable housing among women
Habitat for Humanity of Lee and Hendry Counties recently hosted its Women Build Kickoff Party at The Forest Country Club in Fort Myers, marking its 15th season of empowering women to pursue their dreams of homeownership and achieve stability for their families.
On March 13, more than 220 guests gathered in support of Habitat’s local home-building efforts for female-led households. During the event, 28 individuals pledged to become SuperPeople of Women Build, each committing to a five-year donation toward Habitat’s fundraising goal of $600,000 by this Mother’s Day. The evening was further highlighted by an inspirational testimony from a Habitat homeowner and single mother, who shared the life-changing impact of a safe and affordable home for her and her children.
“This campaign transforms lives — not just for the families who now have a place to call home, but also for the volunteers and donors who have discovered the power of building together,” said CEO Becky Lucas of Habitat for Humanity of Lee and Hendry Counties. “Together, we are effectively addressing the affordable housing crisis through a proven model for empowerment.”
Eighty-seven percent of families partnering with Habitat for Humanity to build a home are female-headed households, underscoring the critical need for affordable housing among women in Lee and Hendry counties. The organization aims to raise $600,000 during the 2025 Women Build season, which directly supports the construction of homes for local female-led families.
Habitat for Humanity’s Women Build is a national initiative to engage women in the effort to provide safe and decent homes for families in need of affordable housing. Since 2011, Women Build has partnered with 30 female-headed families in Lee and Hendry counties to build strength and stability for their children through local fundraising and volunteer efforts.
For more information about Women Build or to get involved, visit Habitat4Humanity.org/WomenBuild.
About Habitat for Humanity of Lee and Hendry Counties
Habitat for Humanity of Lee and Hendry Counties is a faith-based private nonprofit serving families with a housing need willing to partner. As a developer, builder, mortgage lender, housing counseling agency, retail operator and hurricane recovery organization, Habitat partners with families to build, improve or retain places to call home. Since 1982, Habitat has partnered with nearly 1,900 families to help them achieve their dream of affordable homeownership. In addition to putting in 300 hours of sweat equity into building their own homes, Habitat Homebuyers contribute to their closing costs, attend more than 20 hours of financial education classes, and pay an affordable mortgage set at no more than 30% of their monthly income. Through volunteering and providing financial or material donations, everyone can help Lee and Hendry county families achieve strength, stability, and independence. For more information, visit Habitat4Humanity.org.