Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
Last Thursday, nearly 80 women came together to celebrate Habitat for Humanity’s record-breaking Women Build in 2025.
This annual event brings all-women teams of volunteers together to raise money for a Habitat build and volunteer on site, according to a news release from Habitat. In 2025, Habitat launched its first Women Build for an entire home since 2013.
“This is an event that has exploded in popularity since we brought it back in 2022,” said Stacy Price, Habitat board member and chair of the events committee. “We knew that our generous community was eager to do more, so our team put together a Women Build that covered an entire home and the results have simply been amazing.”
Over several months, more than 235 women volunteers gave 1,348 hours of their time to bring this home to life. Together, they also raised over $170,000, directly helping make this home possible for the Manges family. No big sponsors or grants, but hundreds of donors coming together to fund this home. This effort showcased what can happen when strong women come together to build a strong community, according to the release.
A major highlight of this year’s campaign was the largest Panel Build to date in Kosciusko County, where 140 participants framed an entire home in a parking lot in 1 hour, 45 minutes — an extraordinary display of teamwork and shared purpose, the release states.
While the project has experienced some construction delays, the final touches are now being made on the home with a home dedication targeted for spring. Nevertheless, those challenges do not diminish the lasting difference this event has made.
“It is simply tough to get a construction project completed on time, especially with how cold and early winter was this year.” said Ben Logan, Habitat’s executive director. “But that doesn’t take away from what these hundreds of women have accomplished. We are blessed to have such passionate supporters.”
Habitat is already preparing for the 2026 Women Build, launching in the coming months, with opportunities to join a team, support the build and volunteer on site. Those interested in learning more or leading a team can inquire at women@kosciuskohabitat.org or 574-269-4104.
For more information about Habitat for Humanity of Kosciusko County and the Women Build, visit kosciuskohabitat.org/womenbuild or follow them on Facebook (@kosciuskohabitat).
