St. Augustine Women Build Homes on International Women's Day

Women in St. Augustine are turning International Women's Day into construction day, building affordable homes for neighbors who need them most.

Habitat for Humanity of St. Johns County hosts its annual Women Build event March 6-7 at Volusia Woods in West Augustine. The weekend brings together women from across the community to learn construction skills while creating safe, affordable housing for local families.

"Women Build brings women together to learn new skills, build meaningful connections, and make a lasting impact for local families," says Malinda Everson, executive director of Habitat St. Johns. While the event centers on empowering women, anyone who wants to help build a stronger community is welcome.

No construction experience is required. Habitat provides all tools, training, and guidance to turn first-time volunteers into confident builders in just a few hours.

Four volunteer shifts run across both days, from early morning to mid-afternoon. Participants can sign up for multiple shifts if they want to maximize their impact.

The Ripple Effect

This Women Build joins hundreds of similar events happening worldwide through Habitat for Humanity International affiliates. Each hammer swing represents more than just construction work. It's women advocating for affordable housing solutions and proving they can be part of fixing their community's challenges.

The $40 suggested donation helps cover building materials, turning volunteer time into tangible progress for families waiting for homes. Local sponsors including Ameris Bank, Florida Power and Light, Publix Supermarkets, and UF Health Flagler Hospital support the effort by providing lunch and Women Build t-shirts for all participants.

Volunteers must be at least 16 years old, making this an opportunity for mothers and daughters or mentors and teens to build together. The hands-on work creates connections that last far beyond the weekend, with many volunteers returning year after year.

Every wall raised and nail driven brings St. Johns County families closer to stable housing they can afford.