The House That Women Built
Every home has a story. This one begins with women.
As North Willamette Valley Habitat for Humanity celebrates 40 years of building affordable homes and stronger communities, we are proud to launch a new initiative: The House That Women Built.
This initiative brings together women from across the North Willamette Valley to help build a Habitat home at Peters Garden in Silverton through volunteer leadership, fundraising, and hands-on construction.
This effort also builds on Habitat’s longstanding tradition of Women Build Days, where women from across the community come together on the construction site to volunteer, learn new skills, and support the mission of affordable homeownership. The House That Women Built expands on that tradition by highlighting the leadership and impact of women throughout the entire build process.
Introducing The House That Women Built
As Habitat celebrates 40 years of building homes and community, women from across the North Willamette Valley are coming together to lead, fundraise, and help build a Habitat home at Peters Garden in Silverton.
Introducing The House That Women Built
Sarah Miller serves as Board President of North Willamette Valley Habitat for Humanity, helping guide the organization’s vision and leadership as it works to expand access to safe and affordable housing across the region.
As part of The House That Women Built campaign, Sarah is leading by example by personally matching the first $25,000 raised, encouraging others in the community to join in supporting the project.
Through her commitment to Habitat’s mission, she brings together volunteers, donors, and community partners to help build strength, stability, and self-reliance through affordable homeownership.
Cleo Zars serves as Construction Foreman for North Willamette Valley Habitat for Humanity, leading the day-to-day work on the build site. A journeyman carpenter and Oregon CCB license holder, Cleo oversees construction activities, works closely with subcontractors, and ensures each home is built with quality, safety, and care. She has led the construction of the last seven homes at the Peters Garden development, guiding volunteers and coordinating every stage of the build.
As a leader of The House That Women Built initiative, Cleo represents the many women whose skill, dedication, and leadership make Habitat’s work possible. On the construction site, she creates an environment where volunteers can learn new skills, contribute meaningfully, and experience the impact of building a home together.
Meet the Women Leading This Effort
Cleo Zars
Construction Foreman
Cleo Zars serves as Construction Foreman for North Willamette Valley Habitat for Humanity, leading the day-to-day work on the build site. A journeyman carpenter and Oregon CCB license holder, Cleo has led construction of the last seven homes at the Peters Garden development, guiding volunteers and ensuring each home is built with quality, safety, and care.
Meet the Women Leading This Effort
Cleo Zars
Sarah Miller
Board President
Construction Foreman
Sarah Miller
Board President
Sarah Miller serves as Board President of North Willamette Valley Habitat for Humanity, helping guide the organization’s leadership as it expands access to safe and affordable housing across the region. As part of The House That Women Built campaign, Sarah is leading by example by personally matching the first $25,000 raised, encouraging the community to join in supporting the project.
Women have long played a vital role in building strong communities, yet they remain underrepresented in the construction industry. The House That Women Built celebrates the leadership, dedication, and skill of the women who help make Habitat’s work possible across the North Willamette Valley.
Bringing together volunteers, community leaders, and partners from across the region, this initiative will help build a Habitat home at the Peters Garden development in Silverton. Through hands-on construction, leadership, and fundraising, the women involved are helping create safe, affordable housing while inspiring the next generation of builders and community leaders.
Why This Build Matters
Women have long played a vital role in building stronger communities, yet they remain underrepresented in construction. The House That Women Built celebrates the leadership, skill, and impact of women across the North Willamette Valley while bringing people together to help build a Habitat home at Peters Garden in Silverton.
Join women from across the North Willamette Valley on the build site and help bring The House That Women Built to life. No construction experience needed.
Your gift helps provide the materials and resources needed to build this Habitat home and support affordable housing in our community.
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Be part of The House That Women Built. Support the build, volunteer on site, or follow along as women across the North Willamette Valley come together to help create affordable homeownership in our community.
Follow along as the build progresses and celebrate the women leading this effort. Stay connected for updates, stories, and milestones.
