AMERICUS, Ga. – Maine first lady Karen Baldacci and North Dakota first lady Mikey Hoeven are raising their hammers to kick off year two of Habitat for Humanity’s First Families Building Homes Across America program, a two-year initiative by Habitat for Humanity’s Women Build, which is nationally underwritten by Lowe’s.

In the initiative, local and state leaders will join Habitat for Humanity to construct at least one Women Build home in each state and the District of Columbia.

“The need for decent, affordable housing here in Maine and across the country is immense,” said Baldacci. “Habitat’s Women Build program gets to the very root of the problem. Mrs. Hoeven and I hope to encourage other governors’ spouses, local and statewide officials and women volunteers to construct Women Build homes with Habitat and in partnership with families across America.”

The First Families build in Maine is being organized by Habitat for Humanity of Greater Portland. Baldacci will be on hand to officially kick off the Women Build project at 2 p.m. today at the Lowe’s of Portland store, 1058 Brighton Ave. Immediately after the kickoff ceremony, women volunteers will hold their first Lowe’s Women Build “How-To” clinic, which will teach them construction skills before building activity begins on the house in Yarmouth. Framing of the home is set to begin in July.