Women Build Powers Rebuilds Across the San Gabriel Valley
May 2026 brought an inspiring finale to SGV Habitat’s highly anticipated annual Women Build initiative — and what a finish it was! Since kicking off on April 11th, this year’s campaign rallied passionate supporters from across the community and raised an incredible $271,000 to help build strength, stability, and hope for local families.
The grand finale celebration on May 9th at SGV Habitat Monrovia headquarters was filled with laughter, teamwork, and plenty of sawdust. After heartfelt welcoming remarks from Ruthie Blake, Corporate Relations Specialist and a delicious lunch, volunteers rolled up their sleeves to build benches and walls for future SGV Habitat homeowners and Altadena families.
A truly moving moment came when El Sereno homeowner Claudia and her daughter Anel joined the celebration, reminding everyone that the impact of Women Build lasts far beyond a single day. One final Women Build Day with sponsor South Coast AQMD will officially close out another unforgettable year!
Building Homes. Strengthening Communities. Empowering Women.
For decades, Women Build has stood as one of San Gabriel Valley Habitat for Humanity’s most powerful and inspiring traditions, bringing women and their allies together to take action, learn new skills, and make a lasting impact in their communities. More than just a day on the construction site, Women Build is a movement that raises awareness for the urgent need for affordable housing while empowering individuals to be part of the solution.
At its core, Women Build is about empowerment. Our goal is to equip women with the tools, skills, and confidence to help families build strength, stability, and independence. Through hands-on construction experience and meaningful collaboration, participants gain more than technical knowledge; they become part of something bigger. At Habitat, we’ve seen firsthand that when women are given the opportunity and support to lead, they help transform entire communities.
Since 1991, Women Build has brought together generations of volunteers to fundraise, recruit their networks, and build side by side with families in need of affordable housing. What began as a single initiative has grown into a powerful tradition rooted in connection, purpose, and impact.
Women Build: Building Homes, Making Memories
Check out just some of the fun from Women ReBuild 2025!
The impact of housing on women
In LA County, 60% of renters cannot afford where they live. The existing wage gap between men and women makes it more difficult for women to access affordable housing. The result is an increasing number of women living in substandard, unsafe, and unaffordable conditions. The need for affordable housing has increased due to COVID-19 and unemployment.
Recent years have taught us a home is more than just shelter. It’s a safety net, our prescription for health, and the foundation for the futures we build. At San Gabriel Valley Habitat for Humanity, Women Build has grown to become a signature event attended by hundreds of women (and their allies) from all backgrounds, coming together to build homes, communities, and hope. To date, this event has helped house families in El Sereno, Glendale, Pasadena, Monterey Park, Baldwin Park, Monrovia, and other areas throughout the San Gabriel Valley, through volunteering, donations, and advocacy.
As the Women Build movement continues to grow, our hope is to empower more women, inspire change in housing, and raise funds to help more families.
Thank You from Habitat Homeowners
Thank you to everyone who volunteered at and/or sponsored this year’s Women ReBuild event.
Your dedication, support, and willingness to help others is appreciated beyond words.
Every effort has made a huge difference in making dreams come true and turning what once seemed impossible into reality.
— Michelle Estrada, future homeowner
Thank you for showing up- day after day, with your sleeves rolled up ready to make dreams come true!
Your time, energy, and care have helped build more than a house, you’ve helped build hope!
Every nail you hammered and every brushstroke you painted is a gift of love that will carry with us always.
– Norma Lozano, El Sereno homeowner
Make a donation
Mail your gift
San Gabriel Valley Habitat for Humanity
800 W Chestnut Ave, Suite 210
Monrovia, CA 91016
Previous Women Build events
Women ReBuild 2025
In response to the devastation of the Eaton Fire, which resulted in the loss of more than 9,000 structures, the event was reimagined as Women ReBuild.
Women Build 2024
Women Build 2024 honored the late Rosalynn Carter, former First Lady and champion of volunteerism, and celebrated Women’s History Month.
Women Build 2023
With the unusually wet weather California experienced, this was the first year of the annual event where Women Build took place entirely inside and off-site of the intended home address.
Women Build 2022
The first in person event since the pandemic, Women Build provided the opportunity to honor the generations of trailblazing women and girls who have built our nation.