As a non-profit organization that has a mission to minimize homelessness and build homes for families in need, Habitat for Humanity has already secured more than four million people and built more than 800,000 homes on a global scale. All the good work that Habitat for Humanity does is made possible thanks to the enthusiasm and selflessness of the volunteers. If you’re interested to learn how to get involved with Habitat for Humanity as well, keep on reading.
Main Ways to Get Involved as a Volunteer
Help Your Local Community
If you want to lend a helping hand and learn how to get involved in the local community as a volunteer, all you have to do is reach out to your local Habitat for Humanity chapter. You can phone, email, or get in touch via the Habitat website where other volunteers will guide you and explain the process. The application form on the site is already self-explanatory, but you’ll essentially be able to choose the most appropriate volunteer areas based on your skills and preferences, as well as the most suitable dates when you can volunteer.
It’s also possible to join a Youth Program if you’re between the ages of 12 and 18. The Program will connect the volunteers with their peers for projects related to the home building process.
If you have a strong desire to help the veterans in your community, you can also join the Veterans Build. This particular program focuses on building and repairing homes for veterans and their families who need it the most. And you don’t have to be a veteran yourself in order to join.
In case you’re unable to join the volunteers to build homes, you can still get involved and help your local community by making monetary donations or donating building materials.
Volunteer as a Part of a Group
Companies that are interested in engaging with and giving back to their communities can contact their local Habitat for Humanity chapter and discuss opportunities to help. Essentially, the whole business with their employees can join their forces outside work as well in order to help families regain a roof over their heads.
Habitat for Humanity originally started as a Christian organization. This is precisely why they welcome local faith groups to join them on their quest to help others. All religious organizations can get involved with the volunteer work, be it the home building, serving food, or simply collecting donations for the cause.
Ladies can also join the Women Build program which allows them to build homes for other women and children in the community. This is a great opportunity for ladies to learn more about construction work, expand their skill set, and take another step towards women empowerment.
Students can join the Habitat chapter that’s connected to their campus so that they can volunteer during the school break. If your school doesn’t have a campus chapter for Humanity, you can check to see whether you can start one or join the Youth United program.
Help Families Across the Globe
Habitat for Humanity has its chapters and branches all around the world, which allows willing volunteers to help people in need of housing internationally. You can choose to join the Global Village where you’ll have the chance to travel to more than 40 countries where Habitat operates and build homes there. The trips usually last between a week and a month. It’s also possible to volunteer long-term at one of Habitat’s locations in the US or internationally.
College students can start a Collegiate Challenge where they’ll be sent to some of Habitat’s US locations during semester breaks and take part in building homes there.
RV Care-a-Vanners program allows anyone with a functional RV to go on trips around the US and help the poverty-stricken communities. It’s also possible to donate a working RV.
Willing volunteers can also join the Disaster Corps. They’re scheduled to travel to locations that have been hit by a natural disaster and need help with rebuilding their homes and entire communities.
There are no pre-requirements to become a Habitat for Humanity volunteer. Even if you have absolutely no knowledge of construction work, you’re welcome to get involved, and the organization will find a way to utilize your skills or teach you new ones.
