Here’s a sobering stat: only 34% of single mothers own their homes. Compare that to married couples at 79%, and you start to see just how steep the climb to homeownership really is for women going it alone.
But this May, hammers and hope are coming together to change that narrative.
South Puget Sound Habitat for Humanity’s Women Build event, of which Peak Credit Union, Our Community Credit Union and BECU are sponsors, is gearing up for two action-packed weeks—May 6–9 and May 13–16, 2026—where up to 32 volunteers per day will literally build their way toward solutions. We’re talking about framing walls, raising roofs, and creating actual homes for families who need them most.
The Numbers Don’t Lie (And They’re Not Pretty)
Let’s pull back the curtain on the wealth gap for a second. The average single mom has about $10,700 in net worth. The average household? Try $176,300. That’s not a gap—that’s a canyon. And in today’s housing market, that canyon feels more like the Grand Canyon after a few espressos.
But here’s where things get interesting. When families partner with organizations like South Puget Sound Habitat for Humanity to achieve affordable homeownership, the ripple effects are real and measurable:
- 65% report better physical health
- 80% see their children’s grades improve
- 57% build up more savings
Turns out, having a stable place to call home does more than keep the rain out. It changes lives.
More Than Just Swinging Hammers
“Women Build is an amazing event that brings inspired women together from across the community,” says Elizabeth Walker, CEO of South Puget Sound Habitat for Humanity. “Last year, Women Build volunteers and sponsors raised over $100,000 to support affordable homeownership. This year, with experienced volunteer fundraisers, we think participants will raise even more to support our mission.”
The formula is straightforward: teams of eight women fundraise within their networks to earn their spot on the build. This year’s goal? North of $85,000 to fuel the organization’s mission. Peak Credit Union is stepping up as the Premier Sponsor, joined by other community-minded companies and local restaurants feeding the crew throughout the day.
Dr. David Tuyo, CEO of Peak Credit Union, puts it plainly: “Access to safe, affordable housing is fundamental to financial well-being. Together, we can build real pathways to stability for families and we’re proud to support initiatives like Women Build that truly make an impact in our communities.”
Where the Magic Happens
This year’s build sites are tackling serious scale. Volunteers will spend most of their time at the 28-home Tâlíčn development in Tumwater, then wrap things up on May 16 at the new 22-home Mill Crossing development in Yelm. That’s 50 homes total that will eventually house families who desperately need them.
And if swinging a hammer in May doesn’t work with your schedule? No worries. As South Puget Sound Habitat for Humanity expands to meet growing demand, they’ve got volunteer opportunities year-round—whether you want to help at their Yelm or Olympia stores, on construction sites, or in the office. There’s a spot for everyone who wants to pitch in.
Because at the end of the day, building homes isn’t just about wood and nails. It’s about building futures. And that’s something worth showing up for.