Unlocking Dreams Under Palm Trees: Habitat for Humanity of Greater Palm Beach County Launches Women Build 2026
Unlocking Dreams Under Palm Trees: Habitat for Humanity of Greater Palm Beach County Launches Women Build 2026

Women Build 2026 will bring together hundreds of women and the men who stand beside them to raise $750,000 and build three new affordable homes in partnership with local families. The event is made possible through a collaboration with Urban League of Palm Beach County, which donated the land, and City of West Palm Beach, underscoring a shared commitment to expanding access to affordable homeownership.
The 2026 event will be co-chaired by Rana Levy and Christy Maasbach with honorary co-chairs Julie Peyton and Mary Allen Saunders and empowers women (and men) to take an active role in addressing the need for safe, decent, and affordable housing throughout Palm Beach County.
“Women Build is more than a volunteer opportunity, it’s a movement,” said Co-Chairs Rana Levy and Christy Maasbach. “Together, we are building homes, confidence, and hope. We’re showing what can happen when women support one another and unite to create change in their community.”
With over 400 builders expected, Women Build will feature two high-energy days of purpose. The build shift begins under a vibrant pink-and-green tent with music, refreshments, and inspiring remarks before participants head to their worksites, where they will help build and revitalize homes alongside the very families whose dreams they are helping make possible.
Families and individuals partner with Habitat to build a more secure future. They contribute a minimum of 300 hours toward building their own home and supporting the construction of their neighbors’ homes; and participate in financial literacy and home maintenance workshops to prepare for first-time homeownership. Each family purchases their home through a 30-year, zero-interest mortgage with an affordable monthly payment set at 30% of their income.
“No construction experience is necessary, just a willingness to make a difference in the lives of families served by Habitat.” said Jennifer Thomason, President & CEO of Habitat for Humanity of Greater Palm Beach County. “Women Build is a fun and unique opportunity for volunteers to experience the power of community in action. You will play a hands-on role in strengthening neighborhoods and helping make the dream of homeownership a reality for your neighbors in need.”
How to participate:
- Participants can join individually or as part of a team with friends or colleagues.
- Each participant commits to raising and/or donating a minimum of $1,250 per person.
- Participants select a half-day shift on March 12 or 13 to work on build projects.
- Sponsorships start at $2,500.
- All funds raised go directly towards helping local families achieve the dream of homeownership.
- No construction experience is necessary. All tools, supplies, and personal protection equipment will be provided.
To register to build, become a sponsor, or donate to the Women Build 2026 campaign, please visit habitatgreaterpbc.org/women-build
The Women Build 2026 Committee is comprised of: Co-chairs Rana Levy and Christy Maasbach; Honorary Co-chairs Julie Peyton and Mary Allen Saunders; Legacy Chairs Clara Bennett, Aimee Craig Carlson, Kerry Colvett, Sophia Eccleston, Camille Murphy Kubicek, Beverly Raphael-Altman, Robyn Raphael-Dynan, Danielle Rosse, and Kelly Smallridge; and Committee Members Missy Agnello, Kristin Archer, Danielle Bai, Chelsea Bellew, Renay Chung, MD, Erica Davis, Edithe Delhomme, Stacey Dowdle, Krysta Fuoco, Patty Garvey, Hilda Gonzalez, Kelly Henry, Kathleen Hillman, Kyle Hillhouse, Mihaela Hillhouse, Charlene Johnson, Lucy Joseph, Charlotte Leonard, Karen List, Erika London, Mimi May, Tonya Notaro, Belinda Ocasio, Amanda Reynal, Devon Roush, Ashley Lauren Smith, Lauren Zinn Steinberg, Teawanna Teal, Sharon Tompkins, Chelsey Velozo, Marta Weinstein, Laura Wissa, and JP Varvarigos.
About Habitat for Humanity of Greater Palm Beach County:
Habitat for Humanity of Greater Palm Beach County is a 501 (c) (3) organization and an affiliate of a global nonprofit, Habitat for Humanity International, serving Palm Beach County. Families and individuals needing safe and affordable housing partner with Habitat for Humanity to build or improve a place they can call home. Habitat homeowners help build their own homes alongside volunteers and pay an affordable mortgage. Through financial support, volunteering, or adding a voice to support affordable housing, everyone can help families achieve the strength, stability, and self-reliance they need to build better lives for themselves. Through shelter, we empower.
For more information, visit www.habitatgreaterpbc.org. For any inquiries, contact Julia Murphy, Chief Advancement Officer, at julia.murphy@habitatgreaterpbc.org