WANT TO DO SOMETHING CONSTRUCTIVE?
Grand Island Area Habitat for Humanity has VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES FOR KIDS, TEENS, ADULTS and GROUPS
GROUPS
Since Habitat for Humanity relies onvolunteer labor to construct homes, churches, businesses, schools, services organizations and other groups are recruited to work on Saturdays. Volunteer groups make up the core of labor on our work days and work alongside the families who will eventually own the home. Groups are asked to schedule their group at least one month in advance and bring a minimum of 10 volunteers, although volunteer groups of 20 are sometimes needed. Groups are also asked to provide lunch for themselves and those they will work alongside (5-10 additional volunteers). In the case of groups coming from out of town, other lunch arrangements may be made. Habitat contacts the scheduled group several days prior to their work day to assign tasks and answer any questions. Following the work day the group will be publicly thanked for their contribution. Groups that have participated in the past have found that working with Habitat for Humanity is a great team building activity that also makes a difference in someone’s life.
Kids
Unfortunately, no kids under 14 can work on home construction, but there are other ways kids can get involved: Special Events—Throughout the year, Habitat for Humanity needs volunteers for special events. Some things that kids can help with are serving meals, staffing booths or making decorations or posters for events.
Fund Raisers—Since Habitat for Humanity has to raise money to build multiple houses each year, fund raising is very important. Kids can help collect aluminum cans for recycling or help with fund raising events such as car washes or hot dog sales. They could even recruit their school, church group or other group to have their own fund raiser.
Family Support—To help make the Habitat for Humanity family feel welcome in their new neighborhood and home
, kids can make housewarming gifts and take flyers door-to-door introducing the family to their neighbors.
Teens
Construction Site—Once someone turns fourteen, they can participate in projects on the construction site. However, age and insurance requirements may dictate what projects they can and can’t do. Projects any teen can do include: assisting construction teams, yard prep, and laying sod. Older teens may be asked to work directly on construction projects with a team leader. Special Events—Teens bring a unique enthusiasm to special events and can help in a variety of ways including event organization. Help is always needed with Habitat’s entry in the Harvest of Harmony Parade, the annual volunteer appreciation dinner and other events that come up throughout the year.
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Fund Raisers—Financial support to build houses is an ongoing need. That’s why fund raisers are planned throughout the year. Teens can help with these event, collect aluminum cans for a Habitat grant program, or implement a fund raiser themselves. Creativity, enthusiasm and independence are encouraged! Adults can help Habitat for Humanity in a variety of ways, from construction to fund raising, from mentoring to food preparation.
Adults
Construction Site—Skilled and unskilled labor is always needed on the construction sites. Not only do we need people to do the physical work, we also need safety monitors, site hosts, and folks to help inventory the construction trailers.
Support Services—Building is our most visible volunteer opportunity however, there is much more involved. To get all the work done, Habitat is broken down into several areas of support services, including: Family Support, Family Selection, Site Selection, Church Relations, Public Relations, Fund Raising and Finance. In each of these areas there is also the need for administrative support.
Mentoring/Teaching—Not only do we work to get families into safe, decent homes of their own, we also try to offer them advice through their transition into homeownership. Through volunteer mentorship and educational opportunities, we want to make each “Partner Family” a good home-owner and neighbor.
