Habitat Ventura returns to Westlake Village for fifth annual Playhouse Build Blitz, presented by Bank of America
VENTURA COUNTY — Habitat for Humanity of Ventura County will host its Fifth Annual Playhouse Build Blitz, presented by Bank of America, on Saturday, Nov. 7, 2026, from 7:45 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Bank of America’s corporate campus, 31303 Agoura Rd. in Westlake Village. Volunteer teams will build, paint, and decorate children’s playhouses, each designed around the interests of a specific local military, veteran, or first responder family, and each delivered to that family the same afternoon. Bank of America returns as both presenting sponsor and event host.
“These are families who have given a great deal to this community, and this is a day built entirely around their kids,” said Darcy Taylor, CEO of Habitat for Humanity of Ventura County. “Watching a child see their playhouse for the first time is something our volunteers carry with them long after the day ends.”
The Playhouse Build Blitz has grown each year since it launched in 2022. Last year’s event drew more than 150 volunteers and community partners and sent 18 families home with playhouses in themes ranging from dinosaurs and gardens to princess castles. Habitat Ventura provides all paint, tools, and construction materials, along with skilled build leaders who guide first-time volunteers. Teams are matched with their family and theme several weeks in advance so they can plan a one-of-a-kind design. Families arrive in the afternoon to receive their finished playhouses, which for many of the children are a complete surprise.
“BofA is thrilled to host this year’s Playhouse Build Blitz for the community. In its fifth year, this event is a creative and fun way that Habitat for Humanity goes beyond its core mission of building new homes to provide the children of veterans and first responders with their own kid-sized homes. Our employees look forward to this event every year in addition to the series of traditional home builds and renovation projects that BofA does as part of our longtime partnership with Habitat Ventura,” said Midge Campbell-Thomas, President, Bank of America Ventura-Santa Barbara.
The need behind the event is significant. More than 100 veterans in Ventura County experience homelessness each year, accounting for 7% of the county’s homeless population, according to the Ventura County Continuum of Care Alliance’s 2024 Homeless Point in Time Count. Over the past 40 years, Habitat Ventura has built and sold 85 affordable homes and completed more than 400 critical health and safety repairs for local families, including veterans. All proceeds from the Playhouse Build Blitz support those homebuilding and repair programs.
Playhouse sponsorships are $3,000 and include one playhouse and 6 to 8 participant spots. Companies, faith groups, families, and friends can also form a Playhouse Sponsor Team of 6 to 8 people to fund and build a playhouse together, with payment due by October 23, 2026. To reserve a sponsorship, contact Brittany Fabeck, Development Director, at brittany@habitatventura.org or (805) 485-6065 ext. 103. Ventura County military, veteran, and first responder families with young children interested in receiving a playhouse can join the waitlist by contacting Emily Aud, Program Coordinator, at emily.aud@habitatventura.org. Volunteers are also needed. Individuals interested in helping on event day can contact Emily to learn more.
Habitat for Humanity of Ventura County – Together, we build a better future. Habitat for Humanity of Ventura County is a locally run and locally funded affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International. For more than 40 years, Habitat Ventura has partnered with individuals and families to build 85 homes and repair over 400, creating safe, stable places where people can thrive. Through our Home Repair Program, we work alongside homeowners to improve the safety, accessibility, and longevity of their homes. At Habitat Ventura, we believe that home is the foundation on which we build our lives and our communities. By working together, we’re creating a stronger, more connected Ventura County. Our homeownership program partners with families based on their need for housing, ability to afford a mortgage, and commitment to participating in the building process. Each Habitat homeowner invests hundreds of hours of sweat equity and purchases their home with an affordable mortgage – building not only their own future, but the future of our shared community. www.habitatventura.org | 805-485-6065