Pensacola Habitat for Humanity’s 2024 Women Build was a historic one for the affiliate, as 150 powerful women joined together to raise nearly $155,000 for affordable housing, helping pass the $1 million mark of funds raised across the event’s 11–year history.
Women Build is a special peer-to-peer fundraising campaign hosted by Pensacola Habitat for Humanity that empowers women to unite in fundraising efforts, advocate for affordable housing and physically build a home for women in their community. Each year, Women Build demonstrates how powerful it can be when local women come together to tackle the challenge of affordable housing. This yearis the strongest example yet, with a record-setting fundraising total nearly tripling Pensacola Habitat for Humanity’s first Women Build in 2014.
“It’s incredible to see how much Women Build has grown. To hit our fundraising goal and to reach the $1 million mark before even picking up a hammer this year is a testament to what women in our community are capable of,” said Michele DuMond, Pensacola Habitat for Humanity’s Volunteer Services and Special Events Manager. “These empowered women are changing our community in front of our eyes, and it’s really special to witness.”
With so many women signed up to make a difference this year, Women Build volunteers were able to build two homes during the build week for the first time. Women of varying backgrounds and skill sets lifted walls, trusses and more, following up the incredible year of fundraising with determined and steady progress on the build site as they turned two slabs into fully-framed homes.
“We have so many teams and individual builders who work tirelessly all year, hosting yard and bake sales, working concessions for Pensacola Blue Wahoos games, selling raffle baskets and coming up with so many other creative fundraisers to hit their goals,” DuMond said. “To be able to cap off all of those efforts with not just one, but two home builds was a wonderful conclusion to this year’s Women Build.”
Pensacola Habitat for Humanity is thrilled to announce that the two homebuyers involved in the Women Build campaign are expected to receive the keys to their new homes and move in early next year.
Many local businesses contributed volunteers and donations to help push Women Build over the top. The partnership with RS3 Strategic Hospitality and the Pensacola Blue Wahoos led to over $60,000 raised by Women Build volunteers working concessions opportunities. Businesses like Gulf Winds Credit Union, Florida Power & Light, The Marketing Bar, PNC Bank and Regions Bank made significant contributions as well, with many more local businesses lending their support with donations and volunteers. In all, 21 companies lent their support to Women Build, making it a truly community-wide initiative that reaches across industries.
Fundraising for Women Build 2024 remains open until October 31, when the focus will shift to the next year’s campaign. To donate, visit womenbuild.pensacolahabitat.org.
About Pensacola Habitat for Humanity
Founded in 1981, Pensacola Habitat for Humanity is a non-profit, non-denominational, Christian ministry whose purpose is to improve communities through sustainable partnerships. Having built and renovated over 1,600 homes, Pensacola Habitat seeks new and innovative ways to positively impact the community through various meaningful projects, including their Home Buyer, HUD Certified Housing Counseling, and Community Development Programs. Pensacola Habitat for Humanity offers unique financing opportunities to qualified applicants to provide affordable home ownership in Escambia and Santa Rosa Counties. For more information, visit pensacolahabitat.org.
About Habitat for Humanity International
Driven by the vision that everyone needs a decent place to live, Habitat for Humanity began in 1976 as a grassroots effort on a community farm in southern Georgia. The Christian housing organization has since grown to become a leading global nonprofit working in more than 1,300 communities throughout the U.S. and in more than 70 countries. Families and individuals in need of a hand up partner with Habitat for Humanity to build or improve a place they can call home. Habitat homeowners help build their own homes alongside volunteers and pay an affordable mortgage. Through financial support, volunteering or adding a voice to support affordable housing, everyone can help families achieve the strength, stability, and self-reliance they need to build better lives for themselves. Through shelter, we empower. To learn more, visit habitat.org.
About Pensacola Habitat for Humanity ReStore
Our local Habitat for Humanity Restore supports Pensacola Habitat for Humanity’s mission of building homes, communities and hope. Revenue earned by selling donated furniture, appliances, building materials, and more is reinvested in our community to provide affordable homeownership options to families in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties. Together we are changing lives right here at home. For more information, visit pensacolarestore.com.
