The Playhouse Program is Back!

August 17, 2023

Popular teambuilding program that builds children’s playhouses resumes after three-year hiatus

Habitat for Humanity of Durham is restarting its popular Playhouse Program, where participants build and donate playhouses to local families and service organizations that work with children. Launched in 2013, the program provides teambuilding opportunities with a service component but paused in 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The Playhouse Program has built more than 170 playhouses and raised north of $425,000 for Durham Habitat since its inception.

During Playhouse Build Days, Durham Habitat volunteers lead groups of 12 to 20 people through the design, construction and decoration of children’s playhouses that are donated to nonprofit organizations of the group’s choice. Finished playhouses have gone to nonprofits such as the Boys & Girls Clubs of Durham and Orange Counties, the Central/Eastern Carolinas chapter of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Dress for Success, Hope Reins and Urban Ministries of Durham.

“Our team is excited to relaunch this unique program that benefits  all involved. Area corporations participate in a meaningful teambuilding day, Durham Habitat receives funds towards our community building work, and other local organizations receive a fun donation,” said Durham Habitat CEO Tiana Joyner.

Groups can reserve Playhouse Build Days by completing a request form and making a $3,500 donation, which covers playhouse building materials and helps fund construction of Durham Habitat homes. Build days are held at the TROSA warehouse at 1810 E. Main Street.

Blue Cross NC first participated in a build in 2014 and registered annually until the program went on hiatus due to the pandemic. The company is excited the program has returned.

“Our employees love the Playhouse Program! They are able to have a wonderful teambuilding experience and stretch their creative skills, all while benefiting local nonprofits – it truly is a win-win for everyone,” said Sophie McMillian, senior community and diversity program manager at Blue Cross NC.

To learn more about the Playhouse Program, visit durhamhabitat.org/playhouse or contact Jenni Amis at jamis@durhamhabitat.org.