**Why I Volunteer for Habitat for Humanity Women Build**

Years ago, I volunteered on a build site alongside a future homeowner. She was there helping to put up siding, working toward the hours required for the homeownership program.

As we worked side by side, she shared her story. She had escaped domestic violence, leaving everything behind except her son and a few belongings. They drove three hours away to a new city where she knew no one — no family, no job, no support system, just determination to start over.

She told me how grateful she was for her employer, who let her be flexible with her son and even leave early once a week to volunteer and earn her homeownership hours. When I asked what she was most excited for, her eyes filled with tears. She said, “Just having a safe place for my son to run outside and play… he hasn’t ever been able to do that.”

That moment stayed with me.

When you volunteer or donate to Habitat for Humanity, you are helping women like her — women rebuilding their lives, creating safety, stability, and hope for their families. It’s not easy to maintain safe, stable housing, and for those of us who can, we are truly fortunate.

So let’s raise our hammers, our hands, and our hearts — for the women who are working so hard to build a better future.