Habitat for Humanity of SJC’s Women Build Event Welcomes 90 Volunteers

ST. AUGUSTINE, Florida (March 11, 2026) – Habitat for Humanity of St. Johns County held its annual Women Build event March 6-7 at the nonprofit’s newest neighborhood, Volusia Woods. Even the weather knew something special was happening, as 90 women painted, caulked, and worked on homes with sunny skies and a cooling breeze. Women Build is held in communities across the globe to empower women to address housing issues for themselves, their families, and their neighbors. Inspired by the first all-women-built Habitat for Humanity house, completed in 1991, the annual event coincides with International Women’s Day.

“Seeing nearly 90 women come together to build hope and opportunity for a local family was truly inspiring,” says Malinda Everson, Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity of St. Johns County. “Women Build is about more than construction. It is about empowerment, leadership, and neighbors lifting each other up. We are so grateful to every volunteer and sponsor who helped make this event such a success. The energy on site was incredible and a beautiful reflection of what happens when community and compassion come together.”

Women Build welcomed volunteers over two days. On Friday, March 6, 49 volunteers were welcomed with remarks from St. Johns County Commissioner Ann Taylor. On Saturday, March 7, one of Habitat St. Johns’ founding board members, Deltra Long, visited with the 41 volunteers and toured the Volusia Woods model home. Groups from Alpha Kappa Alpha, UF Health St. Johns Care Connect, Costco, Anastasia Fitness instructor Tracy and her Zumba class, Westminster of St. Augustine, as well as City of St. Augustine Vice Mayor Barbara Blonder volunteered with Women Build. Additionally, four members of the Habitat St. Johns Board of Directors joined the teams, including two who served as site supervisors. 

“I started my career with Habitat St. Johns, fresh out of college, so it’s very special coming back and introduce my new colleagues to Habitat,” says Lindsey Rodea, who, in addition to working for UF Health St. Johns, also serves as the Vice Chair of the Habitat St. Johns Board of Directors. “Working in healthcare, we’re used to giving back every day, but this is a whole new way. It also gets their minds thinking about who they might know that could use a hand up when it comes to finding a path to home ownership.”

Habitat St. Johns is grateful for the support of its sponsors, Ameris Bank, Florida Power & Light, Publix Supermarkets, Skinny Lizard Screen Printing, and UF Health Flagler Hospital.