Building Her Future
Brittany Mann’s Journey to Homeownership with Women Build
When Brittany Mann talks about her future home, her eyes light up—not just with excitement, but with purpose. As a single mother of three, Brittany knows exactly what’s at stake: stability, space, safety, and a sense of legacy she’s determined to pass down to her children.
“I’m excited. Very excited,” she says with a smile that speaks volumes. “This home is more than walls—it’s a new beginning.”
Brittany is the proud mother of three children: her 13-year-old daughter, her 12-year-old son, and her youngest, who is eight. Like so many hardworking parents, she’s spent years making it work—juggling parenting, work, and dreams of something more permanent. A home of their own. A space they can finally call theirs.
Right now, her daughter shares space with her brothers. Privacy is hard to come by. Celebrations happen at other people’s houses. Dinners are quick, not shared. But all of that is about to change.
“This home means my daughter can have her own space. No more arguing with the boys over who gets which side of the room. We’ll have a backyard for birthday parties and holidays—not always borrowing someone else’s home for our memories.”
Brittany’s selection as a future Habitat for Humanity of Marion County homeowner is more than an opportunity. It’s the result of perseverance and faith. She admits to feeling nervous at first—overwhelmed by the process—but quickly found strength in the support surrounding her, especially from the women volunteers showing up to help build her home.
“To all the women and volunteers helping me: thank you. I know you’re taking time out of your lives to help me and my kids. That means everything.”
This year’s Women Build project isn’t just constructing houses—it’s reinforcing the belief that women can lead, build, and transform lives just as powerfully as anyone else. For Brittany, seeing women on the job site isn’t just empowering. It’s deeply personal.
“I think this build is important because it shows that women can do the same things men can. We can build, lead, and make a difference. Seeing that in action? It motivates me even more.”
Brittany’s home will be built by hundreds of hands—many of them female. From framing to finishing, she’ll work side by side with volunteers and Habitat staff to bring her vision to life. It’s not just a house. It’s a foundation. It’s where her children will grow up knowing security, where her daughter will finally have her own room, and where family dinners can finally happen around one table.
It’s where a mother’s strength and a community’s compassion intersect.
And when the day finally comes for Brittany to unlock the door to her new home?
“I’ll know that I helped build it. That other women helped build it. That this isn’t just my dream—it’s a shared victory.”
What is Women Build?
Women Build is a national initiative led by Habitat for Humanity that brings women together to learn construction skills, break down gender stereotypes, and make an impact in their local communities—one home at a time.
In Marion County, the Women Build program has become a rallying cry for empowerment. It’s not about excluding men—it’s about inviting women in to a space they’ve traditionally been left out of and showing what happens when women lead from the ground up—literally.
Volunteers come from all walks of life—teachers, nurses, business owners, retirees, students—united by a belief that safe, affordable housing should be within reach for every family. No prior construction experience is needed. Just the willingness to learn, to work, and to lift each other up.
Through Women Build, participants not only construct homes—they build confidence, community, and a sense of shared purpose. It’s a powerful, boots-on-the-ground movement where hard hats and high fives go hand in hand.
Want to be part of Brittany’s story—and stories like hers?
Volunteer. Donate. Fundraise. Lift a hammer and help lift a family.
💪 This is Women Build.
💪 This is what girl power looks like with a toolbelt.