Habitat for Humanity Detroit volunteers raise hammers for National Women Build Week

DETROIT (WXYZ) - The ladies are taking over a construction site on Detroit’s east side. It’s all part of Habitat for Humanity’s National Women Build Week.

The nationwide initiative formally runs from May 5 – 13, but Habitat for Humanity Detroit is getting work underway early.

This year’s theme is “The Build Generation.”  Habitat for Humanity is hoping to recruit and train more and more women to become construction volunteers – especially the next generation of builders who are 18 to 24 years old.

The goal is to teach them how to build and advocate for simple, decent and affordable houses in their communities.

Saturday, May 5, Habitat for Humanity Detroit will raise the walls on a new home for Sheila Ford’s family. Lowe’s is providing Habitat with a $60,000 grant to support the project along with in-store volunteer training. 

The Ford Motor Company Fund is also providing $40,000 in additional sponsorship for the Women Build house.

Nationally, Lowe’s is awarding more than $1.3 million to 275 Habitat affiliates across the U.S. during National Women Build Week.

If you'd like to volunteer for your local Habitat for Humanity click here.