The program, called Women Build, brings together female volunteers to build homes that shelter children living in poverty. The organization is looking for team leaders and volunteers to construct a home on Willow Street, across from the Sacred Heart Church on the edge of Willow Glen.

Habitat for Humanity acquired the 5,000-square-foot parcel through a partnership with San Jose's housing department and redevelopment agency, Habitat for Humanity executive director Robert Freiri said.

The family selected to live in the new home, the Larimers, includes a mother, father and three children. The couple's 12-year-old son has cerebral palsy and uses a wheelchair. The family, currently in substandard living conditions, was chosen after a lengthy application and screening process, Freiri said.

In line with Women Build's mission, a female-owned firm, Anderson Brulé Architects, was selected to design the house. Founder Pamela Anderson-Brulé is a Willow Glen resident and a Rotary Club of San Jose member.

The Habitat for Humanity project, Anderson-Brulé said, was a good fit for the firm's mission.

"Community architecture is what we're all about," she said.

The emphasis is to encourage women, but not exclude men; Anderson-Brulé's team emphasizes that point. Anderson-Brulé, architect Monique Wood and designer Crystal Melin are designing the 1,400-square-foot home. Brad Cox is also part of the team.

"One of the key goals of both the family and Habitat for Humanity is that it fits into the neighborhood," Cox said.

The firm has designed the house as a bungalow-style, four-bedroom, single-story home. Like the adjacent dwellings, the house will have a porch and bay window.

Habitat for Humanity plans to begin the project on Mother's Day weekend, May 13, and complete it by the end of the year.

For more information on volunteer opportunities, contact Silicon Valley Habitat for Humanity at 408.942.6444 or visit www.habitatsanjose.org/womensbuild.html.