Building Big Dreams with Little Houses

What is a Habitat for Humanity Playhouse Program?

A Habitat for Humanity Playhouse Program is a creative volunteer engagement and fundraising initiative offered by many Habitat affiliates across the United States and Puerto Rico. Corporate teams, community organizations, schools, and volunteers work together to build, paint, and customize children’s playhouses. Once completed, the playhouses are donated to children and families in the community, while sponsorship fees help fund Habitat’s affordable housing programs.

Over the past two decades, Playhouse Programs have become one of the most popular corporate volunteer events at many Habitat organizations create meaningful volunteer experiences, bring joy to children, and raise critical funds that help build and repair safe, affordable homes.

“Building a playhouse reinforces Habitat’s larger mission by showing children that every home—big or small—should be a place filled with hope.”

The Purpose

Habitat Playhouse Programs are designed to:

Support Affordable Housing

Corporate sponsorships and participation fees directly support Habitat’s homebuilding and home repair programs.

Engage Volunteers

Many businesses cannot commit to a full home build. A playhouse can be completed in one day while still providing a meaningful Habitat experience.

Build Community

Employees, schools, civic groups, churches, and volunteers work together toward a shared goal.

Inspire Future Volunteers

Children and families who receive playhouses often become lifelong supporters of Habitat’s mission.

Promote Corporate Social Responsibility

Companies strengthen employee engagement while investing in affordable housing within their communities.

How Playhouse Programs Work

Durham Habitat Playhouse Build days are a fun, hands-on team-building experience that make a real impact. Each build day requires a $2,500 donation per team, which helps offset the cost of materials for the playhouse and supports the construction of actual Habitat homes.

Teams of 8–15 volunteers spend the day building a fully finished playhouse in a 6–7 hour session, typically from 8:30 AM to 2:30 PM. All build days take place Tuesday through Thursday inside the climate-controlled TROSA Warehouse on East Main Street in Durham.

With guidance from experienced Durham Habitat volunteers, your team will build, paint, and decorate a 4’x5’ playhouse complete with a floor, windows, a hinged door, and a shingled roof. You may be using power tools, painting supplies, and taking part in light cleanup throughout the day. A lunch break is included, and the day wraps up around 2:30–3:00 PM.

By the end of the day, your group will have created a fully assembled and decorated playhouse ready for delivery to a chosen charity or individual.

Questions? Contact:

Email: volunteer@durhamhabitat.org for more information.  Although every affiliate is different, a typical Playhouse Build includes: