Why Women Build matters: Single mothers and housing

Women Build plays a crucial role in addressing housing challenges faced by women, particularly single mothers. This initiative is important not only for its direct impact on housing but also for its broader implications on gender equity and community empowerment. 

Single mothers face disproportionate housing struggles in the United States. In Vermont, 1 in 7 households pay at least half of their income on housing costs. This financial burden is often more severe for single-mother households, who typically have lower incomes and fewer resources to allocate towards housing. 

Many of our partner families have a single, female head-of-household, so it is important that we recognize the unique challenges that this demographic faces. In the US, 80% of single-parent families are headed by a female, which highlights the importance of our work. 

The importance of Women Build becomes even more apparent when considering the systemic inequalities affecting women in housing: 

• Wage disparities: Women, especially single mothers, often earn less than their male counterparts, making it harder to afford safe and stable housing. Additionally, women still earn, on average, 80% of what the average male earns. This challenge is even greater for Black and Hispanic women. 

• Limited access to homeownership: Due to financial constraints and discrimination, women face greater obstacles in becoming homeowners. Minorities, women, and low- and moderate-income borrowers across the United States of America continue to receive a disproportionate amount of high-cost loans 

• Poverty impact: Poor living conditions disproportionately affect women and children, highlighting the need for targeted housing solutions. In Vermont, 32% of female-headed households with children live below the poverty level. 

Women Build addresses these challenges by: 

• Skill development: The program provides women with valuable construction skills, empowering them to take an active role in creating their own housing solutions. 

• Breaking stereotypes: By engaging women in construction, Women Build challenges gender norms in a traditionally male-dominated industry. 

• Community building: The initiative fosters a sense of solidarity and community engagement, creating support networks for women facing housing insecurity. 

• Advocacy: Women Build raises awareness about the unique housing challenges women face.

• Economic empowerment: Through affordable homeownership, women can build equity and break cycles of poverty.  

The impact of Women Build extends beyond the physical construction of homes. It serves as a catalyst for change, empowering women to become advocates for affordable housing. By providing women with the tools, resources, and support they need, Women Build is helping to create a more equitable housing landscape. 

The focus on inclusivity – emphasizing that it’s about including women rather than excluding men – helps to create a collaborative environment where all community members can contribute to solving housing issues. 

By providing opportunities for women to actively participate in creating housing solutions, Women Build is not just constructing homes, but building stronger, more resilient communities where women can thrive. 

At Green Mountain Habitat for Humanity, we believe that strong women build strong communities. Read more about Women Build here.