Frequently Asked Questions About Habitat

• How can I volunteer or get involved with HFHMC?
• Where and when is HFHMC building?
• When is the ReStore open and where is it located?
• How can I donate to the ReStore?
• How can I become a homeowner with HFHMC?
• How can my child / student get involved with HFHMC?
• How does HFHMC get properties?

Answers to FAQs:

• How can I volunteer or get involved with HFHMC?
  For individuals, we ask that volunteers first attend either a Love in Action Tour or a ReStore volunteer orientation - depending on their interests - to learn about our organization, the local work of our affiliate and ReStore, the different volunteer opportunities, and the mandatory safety information.  Unless the date falls on a holiday weekend, Love in Action Tours are typically held on the first Saturday of the month in Norristown, the second Saturday in Pottstown and the third Saturday in Upper Dublin, and the ReStore volunteer orientations are held on the first Saturday and third Wednesday of the month.  We also have a number of committees that tap into volunteers' interests, talents and experiences. 
  

For groups, volunteer dates are typically scheduled 4-8 weeks in advance and the volunteer calendar is available for date scheduling on the first Tuesday of the preceding month (i.e. if your group is interested in volunteering in December 2011, Habitat begins scheduling those group dates on Tuesday November 8, 2011).  At the moment, we can accommodate groups of up to 7 people, due to safety and supervisory regulations, and the size and nature of our construction projects.   

For more information about volunteering or getting involved as an individual or a group, please contact Kim Tobin, Associate Director of Development, at Ktobin@habitatmontco.org or (610) 278-7710 x129.  


• Where and when is HFHMC building?
  HFHMC works in three communities - Norristown, Pottstown and Upper Dublin - and has ongoing projects in each of these areas.  In Norristown and Pottstown, we predominantly focus on rehab row home projects, and in Upper Dublin, we do new construction.  We work year round and although we are currently between projects in Upper Dublin, volunteers are routinely scheduled in Norristown and Pottstown. 
  
  
• When is the ReStore open and where is it located?
  The ReStore is open from 9am-5pm on Wednesdays through Fridays, and from 9am-2pm on Saturdays.  It is located at 533 Foundry Road, West Norriton, PA - it is in an industrial park that is just off the intersection of Germantown and Trooper Roads.  If you are familiar with the area, we are near the Direct Buy and Valley Forge Medical Center on Germantown Pike, and directly across the street from Talluto's Italian Outlet.
  
  
• How can I donate to the Restore?
  The ReStore accepts new and gently used building and remodeling supplies, home appliances and furniture.  Please click here for a complete list of donations we are looking for, including guidelines and restrictions.

Smaller items may be dropped off at the ReStore during regular store hours (last items are accepted 15 minutes before closing).  Please call ahead if you are bringing larger items or if you would like to arrange a pickup - (610) 631-3149.  Pickups are typically scheduled 1-2 weeks out. 


• How can I become a homeowner with HFHMC?
  Families must LIVE or WORK in Montgomery County to be eligible and must have a need for housing, a willingness to partner with Habitat, and the ability to pay a mortgage.  For more detailed information about our homeownership program, please click here.
  


• How can my child / student get involved with HFHMC?
  Although volunteers must be at least 18 yers old to work on the construction site, there are many other fulfilling opportunities for our youth volunteers.
- Volunteers who are at least 14 years old can volunteer at the ReStore.  Many students work at the ReStore to complete their high school graduation projects. Please click here for more information about volunteering at the ReStore.
- Start a Habitat club at their school (middle school or high school) and engage with HFHMC through education, advocacy, fundraising and volunteering.
- Prepare and share a meal for volunteer groups.
- Participate in HFHMC's annual Youth Day (ages 5-12), which includes a hands-on building activity and a tour of one of our current projects 


• How does HFHMC get properties?
  Habitat is always searching for affordable properties to rehab or build.  Some are donated, others are purchased for low costs through individuals or sheriff sales, others purchased through grant money, etc.