Building Community, One Hammer at a TimeFrom aprons to hard hats, everyone belongs
9/15/2025
From August 20–23, dozens of women came together in matching purple t-shirts — not for a parade or a protest, but to build affordable housing. Our 2025 Women’s Week brought over 40 volunteers to the worksites at 26 and 27 Greenview Drive in Bennington, and what unfolded was more than just a construction project. It was a week of skill-building, courage, connection, and serious progress.
This year’s event captured the spirit of collaboration and community like never before. Volunteers came from all walks of life — from longtime Habitat supporters to first-time builders — and each brought energy, curiosity, and a willingness to tackle whatever tasks were needed. From climbing scaffolds to hammering siding and planting greenery, every participant made a tangible impact on the homes and the families who will one day live there. The week was a celebration of what happens when people come together to give back, learn, and support one another.
This year, instead of cramming everyone into one big day, we spread Women’s Week across four days of 10–12 volunteers each. That meant more room to move, more one-on-one support, and — most importantly — more impact.
“The more people who come, the more work we get done. And the more work we get done, the faster these homes are completed — bringing families closer to moving in. Every hour, every task, makes a real difference.”
That philosophy shaped the week. There was no “set” goal — just a shared commitment to doing as much as possible. And the results? Siding work on 27 took major strides forward, with volunteers working everywhere from knee-level to scaffolding. Over at 26, a huge amount of drywall was installed, and crews tackled numerous smaller projects around the properties, including planting native species in the yards.
Some volunteers arrived nervous about heights or unsure how siding even worked. By the end of their shift, they were hammering, laughing, and making visible, tangible progress. The week’s energy was boosted by the custom purple t-shirts featuring Rosie the Riveter swinging a hammer, which quickly became a symbol of the shared mission and camaraderie.
Our crews included longtime volunteers and total newcomers, with a mix of young moms, retirees, and professionals — a cross-section of our community all working side by side.
“It felt like everyone had a place, and no one felt out of place. The day flowed so well — from the work to the laughs — that it almost didn’t feel like a special event, except for the purple shirts and the amazing lunches.”
Though the week started with rain, the skies cleared for a beautiful string of build days — and the support we got from local restaurants made each day even brighter. Every meal was donated by a generous local business:
Wednesday: Elm Street Deli
Thursday: Pearls at the Garage
Friday: Depot 62
Saturday: Zakia’s Afghan Food — The future homeowner of 27!
A variety of community and workplace teams also joined the fun throughout the week, bringing energy, enthusiasm, and extra hands on site. Their involvement added so much to the experience, and we’re incredibly grateful for everyone who contributed.
If you’ve ever thought, “I could never do that,” or “I wouldn’t fit in,” think again. Volunteering at a Habitat build is approachable for everyone, regardless of experience. Tools, guidance, and a supportive team are ready for you — and there’s no better way to see the impact of your contribution than by showing up and pitching in.
Just bring yourself, your enthusiasm, and maybe a sense of adventure. We’ll handle the rest.
There was no shortage of great moments, smiles, hard work, and hammer-swinging. We’ve collected a full gallery so you can experience it all:
