PITTSFIELD, Mass. — For the 11th year, Habitat for Humanity and Lowe's are engaging women nationwide to work together to build Habitat homes during this year's National Women Build Week from May 5-13 and also for an additional five weeks following the national event.

 

More than 18,000 women construction volunteers unite nationwide to build up their communities with Habitat homeowners.

 

On Sunday, April 29, local volunteers will start Women Build month by attending a hands-on construction training workshop that will give them the necessary tools to build on the construction site. Lowe's in Hadley will host a workshop on Monday, April 23, which Women Builders can also attend.

 

Groups and individuals can register to participate in the Women Build dates May 5 through June 16. Register online at through Central Berkshire Habitat for Humanity.

 

"We're excited to partner with Lowe's to educate, inspire and empower women to advocate and help Habitat homeowners love where they live through building or improving an affordable place they can call home," said Carolyn Valli, executive director of Central Berkshire Habitat for Humanity. "We want to engage women of all skill levels to join their friends, families and neighbors to build up their communities and lend a hand to Habitat by signing up for build clinics so they will be equipped on the build site, or to volunteer where women will gain invaluable skills to bring back and use in their everyday life."

 

National Women Build Week, a nationwide initiative created by Habitat for Humanity and Lowe's in 2008, has brought together more than 117,000 all-women construction volunteers to build or repair homes with nearly 5,000 families over the past 10 years. This year, Lowe's donated nearly $2 million to Habitat for Humanity to support the 2018 National Women Build Week, which is set to take place in 300 communities nationwide.

 

"Lowe's is in the business of helping people improve and maintain their homes," said James Frison, Lowe's director of community relations. "Lowe's Heroes have helped build hundreds of Habitat homes across the country and National Women Build Week is another chance for Lowe's to reinforce our long-standing commitment to Habitat, Women Build and communities where our employees and customers live and work."

 

Habitat and Lowe's encourage all women to volunteer — no construction skills or experience in Habitat builds necessary. To learn more about National Women Build Week, visit Habitat.org/wb.

 

Since Lowe's national partnership with Habitat for Humanity began in 2003, the home improvement company has committed more than $63 million to Habitat and helped nearly 6,500 families improve their living conditions.