Habitat for Humanity International, Lowe’s and approximately 6,000 women volunteers will unite in more than 235 communities in the United States, India and Canada for International Women Build Week, March 1-8, to highlight the global need for safe and affordable housing. A prelude to International Women’s Day, the global event aims to build and improve 540 homes while raising awareness of housing issues facing women and their families.

“More than 18 million U.S. households spend half or more of their income on a place to live, and almost 31% of women-headed households with children are below the poverty level,” said Sue Henderson, vice president of U.S. operations, Habitat for Humanity International. “History has proven that women and their families have the power to make remarkable changes and spark meaningful conversations. With the support of Lowe’s and thousands of volunteers around the world, we will advocate for positive change in the housing needs of women and their families.”

In the U.S., one in six families must choose between having a place to call home and paying for food, health care, childcare, education or reliable transportation. Habitat for Humanity and Lowe’s are calling on women across the world to help bring attention to this important issue by raising a hammer with their local Habitat chapter.

“Lowe’s and Habitat have seen firsthand the transformative power women can have when we come together for communities in need,” said Jennifer Weber, Lowe’s executive vice president, human resources, and board chair of the Lowe’s Foundation. “More than 138,000 volunteers have built or repaired more than 5,325 homes during our 12-year partnership of supporting International Women Build Week, and this year, we encourage all women, whether a home improvement professional or a do-it-yourselfer, to join a build alongside other women. Together, we can make a difference to improve access to safe and affordable housing in our communities.”

The Lowe’s partnership with Habitat began in 2003, and since then, the company has committed more than $71.1 million to support the nonprofit. Lowe’s longstanding support of Habitat has helped more than 6,500 Habitat partner families improve their living conditions.

For this year’s Women Build week, Southern Crescent Habitat for Humanity will be hosting employees from the Lowe’s in Stockbridge, GA. The event is a safe-haven for women to practice, excel, and build for other women. To learn more, visit habitat.org/womenbuild or follow #BuildHer and #WomenBuild on social media to share and view stories from around the world.

About Southern Crescent Habitat for Humanity

Southern Crescent Habitat for Humanity is a nonprofit housing ministry dedicated to providing low-income families an opportunity to become successful homeowners through a program of education and support, interest free lending, and volunteer driven construction. SCHFH builds stronger families and neighborhoods by partnering with donors and volunteers to build attractive and affordable homes, repair existing homes, and to address community needs through neighborhood revitalization. Since its founding in 1986, SCHFH has built 205 homes and repaired over 170 homes.

About Lowe’s in the Community

Lowe’s has supported the communities where its associates live and work for more than 70 years. As a FORTUNE 50 home improvement company, Lowe’s is committed to creating safe, affordable housing and helping to develop the next generation of skilled trade experts through nonprofit partnerships. Across every community we serve, Lowe’s associates donate their time and expertise through the Lowe’s Heroes volunteer program. For the latest news, visit Newsroom.Lowes.com or follow @LowesMedia on Twitter.