Little Houses, Big Impact: Habitat for Humanity of Durham Celebrates the Return of Its Playhouse Program
October 29, 2026
Little Houses, Big Impact: Habitat for Humanity of Durham Celebrates the Return of Its Playhouse Program
City of Durham Information Technology Department helps launch the program’s next chapter as Durham Habitat celebrates its 184th playhouse and 40 years of building community.
DURHAM, N.C. — Sometimes, the biggest impact begins with the smallest house.
Habitat for Humanity of Durham is celebrating the return of its beloved Playhouse Program, a longstanding community-building initiative that brings together volunteers, businesses, and community partners to construct colorful, custom-designed playhouses for children and families throughout the Triangle. https://www.durhamhabitat.org/playhouse-build-build-one-or-request-one
After a three-year hiatus, the program has officially returned during Durham Habitat’s 40th anniversary year, marking an exciting new chapter in an initiative that has brought joy to families and meaningful volunteer opportunities to the community since 2013.
The program’s latest build, completed in partnership with the City of Durham Information Technology Department, represents a significant milestone: the 184th playhouse constructed since the program’s inception.
For Durham Habitat, the milestone represents the enduring power of volunteerism, the importance of corporate and community partnerships, and the organization’s commitment to creating opportunities for people to come together in service of a shared mission.
A Small House With a Big Purpose
Unlike Habitat’s traditional home construction projects, the Playhouse Program offers businesses, civic groups, faith-based organizations, and other community partners a unique, hands-on team-building opportunity. Participants spend time assembling, painting, and decorating child-sized playhouses that are ultimately gifted to children and families.
Each sponsored build also generates financial support for Durham Habitat’s affordable housing mission, helping the organization continue its work of building homes, repairing existing homes, and strengthening neighborhoods throughout Durham.
“Sometimes we measure our impact in square footage, the number of families served, or the number of homes we build. But every now and then, we get to measure our impact in childhood smiles, shared experiences, and the joy of giving,” said Nimasheena Burns, President and CEO of Habitat for Humanity of Durham.
“One playhouse brings together volunteers, businesses, community organizations, and families, all working toward something meaningful. And while we may be constructing a smaller house, the proceeds support the much larger mission of making affordable homeownership possible in Durham. That is what community building looks like. We are building relationships, investing in people, and reminding our community that every act of service matters.”
Celebrating the Volunteers Who Kept the Dream Alive
At the heart of the program’s return is a dedicated group of longtime Habitat volunteers who have remained committed to its success, even during the years when construction was paused.
Led by longtime volunteer Gene Carlone, the Playhouse Team includes an enthusiastic group of skilled volunteers who affectionately refer to themselves as the “Geezers.”
Carlone states: “The Habitat for Humanity Playhouse build program offers a proven alternative team building activity for organizations. Teams work together, learn new skills and at the end of the day have a playhouse that can be used for other charitable benefit. It’s a win, win, win – Habitat wins, the organization wins, and the recipient of the playhouse wins.”
Although their nickname may inspire a smile, their craftsmanship, leadership, and dedication to the organization represent decades of combined experience and an extraordinary commitment to serving Durham.
Carlone’s continued leadership and efforts to keep the volunteer team connected were instrumental in helping the organization successfully restart the program.
“Programs like this don’t survive on good intentions alone. They survive because people believe in them enough to keep showing up,” Burns added. “Gene Carlone and this remarkable group of volunteers represent the very best of Habitat. Even when the playhouses weren’t being built, the relationships and the commitment were still there. We owe them a tremendous debt of gratitude for keeping this tradition alive and helping us bring it back during such an important year for our affiliate.”
City of Durham IT Department Leads the Way
The City of Durham Information Technology Department became the first team to participate in the relaunched Playhouse Program, trading its everyday technology tools for construction tools and taking part in a hands-on experience that blended creativity, collaboration, and community service.
Team members worked alongside Habitat volunteers to construct and decorate the milestone playhouse, demonstrating how employer-supported volunteerism can help strengthen relationships both within the workplace and across the broader Durham community.
Durham Habitat expressed its appreciation to the City of Durham for embracing the opportunity to help restart the program.
“We are incredibly grateful to the City of Durham Information Technology Department for stepping forward as our first participating team,” Burns said. “This is the kind of partnership we want to continue growing across Durham. It’s about bringing people out of their offices, connecting them with their neighbors, and creating an opportunity to make a tangible difference. The City helped us demonstrate that the Playhouse Program is back, and we are ready to build on that momentum.”
Forty Years of Building More Than Houses
The program’s return comes as Habitat for Humanity of Durham celebrates four decades of working alongside local families to expand affordable homeownership opportunities and preserve existing housing.
Throughout its 40th anniversary year, the organization has emphasized strengthening volunteer engagement, expanding corporate and community partnerships, and creating additional opportunities for residents and organizations to participate in its mission.
The Playhouse Program fits directly into that vision.
While each finished playhouse offers a child a place for imagination, creativity, and play, each build also creates opportunities for adults to develop relationships, share their skills, and support affordable housing.
For corporate partners, the program offers an especially meaningful alternative to traditional team-building activities: an opportunity to create something lasting while investing in the community where their employees live and work.
A Holiday Wish: Finding a Special Family
As the holiday season approaches, Durham Habitat is also seeking a special child or family to receive a playhouse.
The organization invites community members to nominate a family or submit an application for consideration through its Playhouse Program nomination process.
Habitat hopes the holiday gift will offer more than a new place to play. It is an opportunity to create memories, encourage imagination, and remind a family that its community cares.
“Every child deserves a place to dream, imagine, and simply be a child,” Burns said. “We know a playhouse cannot solve every challenge a family may face, but it can create a moment of joy and a memory that lasts. During this season of giving, we want to share a little of that joy with a special family.”
Who Will Build Playhouse Number 185?
With playhouse number 184 now complete, Habitat for Humanity of Durham is actively seeking its next participating organization.
Businesses, nonprofit organizations, civic clubs, faith communities, and groups interested in sponsoring a Playhouse Build are encouraged to visit Durham Habitat’s Volunteerism page for additional information.
The program offers an opportunity to build stronger teams, support affordable housing, and give children something special to call their own.
Interested in sponsoring a Playhouse Build?
Visit: Playhouse Build
Interested in nominating a child or family for a holiday playhouse?
Complete the application or nomination form: Playhouse Recipient Inquiry
“At the end of the day, we build more than structures,” Burns concluded. “We build confidence, community, friendships, and opportunities. From a child’s first playhouse to a family’s first permanent home, every one of those experiences matters. And in Durham, all roads lead home.”
About Habitat for Humanity of Durham
For 40 years, Habitat for Humanity of Durham has partnered with local families, volunteers, donors, businesses, and community organizations to expand access to affordable homeownership and preserve existing homes throughout Durham.
Through affordable home construction, critical home repairs, financial education, and community partnerships, Durham Habitat works to create stronger neighborhoods and lasting opportunities for families to build stability and generational wealth.
Guided by the belief that everyone deserves a decent place to live, Durham Habitat continues to build a future where more Durham residents have the opportunity to call a safe, affordable house their home.
