FORT MYERS — Habitat for Humanity of Lee and Hendry Counties recently hosted its Women Build Kickoff Party at The Club at Pelican Preserve in Fort Myers, marking its 14th season of empowering women to pursue their dreams of homeownership and achieve stability for their families.

Nearly 200 guests gathered to kick off the 2024 Women Build initiative on Feb. 29, setting the stage for a year of unprecedented support for Habitat’s home-building efforts for female-led households. During the event, 33 individuals committed to a five-year donation pledge to become a Habitat for Humanity SuperPerson and five existing SuperPeople increased their pledge amounts, making it Habitat’s most successful pledge drive in Women Build history. Additionally, all pledges made during the event were matched dollar-for-dollar by SuperPerson Brian Lucas. The evening was further highlighted by an inspiring testimony from a Habitat homeowner and single mother, sharing the transformational impact of a safe and affordable home for her and her family.

Seventy-five percent of families partnering with Habitat for Humanity to build a home are female-headed households, underscoring the critical need for affordable housing among women in Lee and Hendry Counties. The organization aims to raise $450,000 during the 2024 Women Build season, which directly supports the construction of homes for local female-led families

Habitat for Humanity’s Women Build is a national initiative to engage women in the effort to provide safe and decent homes for families in need of affordable housing. Since 2011, Women Build has partnered with 29 female-headed families in Lee and Hendry counties to build strength and stability for their children through local fundraising and volunteer efforts.

For more information on Women Build or how to get involved, visit Habitat4Humanity.org/WomenBuild.