LANSING, MI — For one week, Valencia Boulevard was full of new faces, familiar friends, and plenty of hard work. From August 17–21, Habitat for Humanity Capital Region welcomed teams from across the Capital Region for Women Build 2026, bringing together corporate partners, nonprofit leaders, Habitat volunteers, and community members to help build two homes on Lansing’s south side.
Throughout the week, Habitat hosted teams from WLNS TV 6, Delta Dental, Jackson, LAFCU, MSUFCU, University of Michigan Health - Sparrow, BWL, and L.O.G.I.C., along with a group of Capital Region Nonprofit Leaders. Many volunteers were returning, while others picked up a hammer for the first time. Board members Danielle Robinson, Samantha Willett of the MSUFCU Desk Drawer Foundation, and Candace Williams of LAFCU also joined the build and shared their experiences with Habitat Capital Region.
“Women Build is truly one of my favorite days of the year — it's an honor to play even a small part in helping families achieve the dream of homeownership, and getting to use a few power tools along the way is a pretty fun bonus! I'm always grateful for the opportunity to work alongside so many incredible people in our community.”
— Megan Viecelli, WLNS-TV
The volunteers worked on a pair of Valencia Blvd. lots, the future homes of Habitat homebuyer partners Edward and Souci. Throughout the week, Edward and Souci joined volunteers during morning and lunch breaks to share their experiences with the Habitat homeownership process, as well as vignettes from their own lives and their hopes for the future.
Edward, a Lansing-born artist, brought his own creative touch to the build on its final day. He invited volunteers to sign a piece of a future art installation inspired by Habitat Capital Region and its Affinity Builds. This small piece of the Women Build experience will become part of the homes' story.
At the beginning of the week, these two homes were little more than foundations. By Friday, volunteers had installed flooring, raised interior and exterior walls, set trusses, and sheathed the roofs. Two foundations have transformed into two recognizable houses, allowing Edward and Souci to see their future homes take shape and begin imagining their lives there.
About Habitat for Humanity Capital Region
Habitat for Humanity Capital Region brings people together to build homes, communities, and hope. Serving Ingham and Eaton counties, the organization partners with local families to provide affordable homeownership and critical home repairs, while engaging volunteers in meaningful service that transforms neighborhoods.
Donate | Volunteer | Homeownership
Thank you to our Valencia Blvd. Lead Sponsors for making this event possible:
Jackson • MSUFCU • AF Group • Eaton Community Bank
