Local group recently celebrated its 22nd home for Habitat for Humanity.
Barbara Reid and Polly Simpson had a conversation in 2003, as Reid was coming off the Habitat for Humanity Board at the time. Simpson had suggested getting together friends to build a house, and Reid pondered an all-female build, something she had heard about from other chapters.
“We went to Habitat [for Humanity], and they said to talk to them after we had raised half the money,” laughs Reid. The duo needed about $70,000 (about $125,000 today). Reid says they accomplished it the old-fashioned way. “We got busy sending letters to everybody we knew,” she remembers.
The persistence paid off; a house was put on the schedule for them, and the Atlanta Women’s Build was born. Simpson, who passed away in 2020, and Reid co-chaired the first three builds before passing the hammer to other women, including Simpson’s daughters. “They’ve been wonderful carrying on the legacy of their mom,” says Reid.
To participate in the build, women were asked to donate or solicit donations and put in time and effort to physically do the work. Over the years, they managed to get corporate donations added to their fundraising efforts. “We had all different groups that came out to build over the years,” remembers Reid. “A group from Spelman College, one from Agnes Scott College…we were all learning to build a house together. I can remember someone showing me how to hold a hammer,” she laughs.
Homeowners’ responsibilities
Homes built through Habitat for Humanity are not free; rather, buyers must be heavily vetted by the organization and must go through an interview process. They are chosen based on a level of need, a willingness to be a good partner, and the ability to pay the interest-free 30-year mortgage, which is managed by Habitat. “They have to have income, and be practically debt-free,” says Reid.
Homeowners must also contribute hundreds of hours of “sweat equity” to the building of their home, as well as volunteering to build other homes. Financial literacy classes are also required, ensuring families are prepared for the responsibilities of homeownership. Atlanta Women’s Build just finished its 22nd build in October for a Grady EMT who is also pursuing a degree in biomedical engineering.
“This homeowner’s drive was so inspiring,” says Amy Davidson, who was the 2025 Build’s co-chair and has served on the steering committee for 12 years. “She’s also helping others achieve their homeownership dreams. She was very invested in the entire experience and process, and not just for herself.”
The 22nd Build
The build took about 8 weekends, with about 35 to 40 women showing up each weekend. The women come from all over, from committee members’ connections to co-workers to friends of friends. “It’s been all organic growth, everyone brings in friends of friends,” says Davidson. “Once we get a corporate sponsor, they tend to come back.”
The simple conversation between two friends has turned into a movement, and a lasting legacy for all involved. Hundreds of women have been empowered and helped change the lives of 22 home buyers through the Atlanta Women’s Build so far. It’s been inspiring, says Davidson. “The buyer is so driven and committed, and it has such a tangible impact. You’re directly helping families improve their future and building community. I’m proud we get to work side by side with these incredible individuals.”
