Today marks the inaugural day of this year’s Women Build GTA event at Habitat for Humanity GTA (Habitat GTA). Women Build is a hands-on building experience that brings together corporate partners, community leaders, and passionate individuals to support affordable homeownership and help address one of the GTA’s most urgent challenges: housing affordability.
Today through September 25, hundreds of participants will come together at the Canerector Foundation Build Factory to take part in a fully supported build experience, helping advance the organization’s mission of creating long-term affordable housing opportunities for families across the region. Women Build participants will work alongside skilled Habitat GTA staff and crew leaders, learning new construction skills while building essential elements of future homes, supporting efforts to build walls that will help deliver at least 135 homes across the GTA
Women Build was created to celebrate and elevate women’s leadership while mobilizing support for affordable housing. The initiative recognizes the disproportionate impact housing insecurity can have on women and families. Nearly 30 percent of the families served by Habitat GTA are single-parent households led by women, making affordable homeownership a critical pathway to stability, financial security and opportunity.
“Women Build demonstrates the power of women supporting stronger, more inclusive communities,” said Ene Underwood, CEO of Habitat for Humanity GTA. “
“It is also a powerful expression of solidarity among women leaders and allies who recognize the vital role women play in creating, nurturing and sustaining a sense of home for their families, often in the face of significant challenges. As housing affordability continues to put homeownership out of reach for many families, Habitat GTA’s four-day Women Build is a collective commitment to expanding access to safe, affordable housing and helping more families achieve the stability, security and sense of belonging that comes with owning a home.”
More than a fundraising event, Women Build offers organizations a meaningful way to engage employees and contribute to real housing solutions. This year’s event is made possible through the commitment of sponsors and corporate partners who recognize the importance of safe and affordable housing in building thriving communities. Their support helps Habitat GTA expand its impact, engage more volunteers, and move more families into forever homes.
“We are grateful to our sponsor and partners for standing with us in tackling the housing affordability crisis,” said Underwood. “Their investment extends far beyond a single day of building. Together, we are creating opportunities for families to build equity, stability, and a foundation for future generations.”
This year’s Women Build GTA returns for the first time since 2022 and comes as housing affordability continues to be a growing concern throughout the region. Habitat GTA remains committed to innovative solutions that make homeownership attainable for working families while strengthening neighbourhoods and fostering more inclusive communities.
