Volunteering - Individuals

To become a volunteer, the first step is to attend a Love in Action Tour. This is the perfect opportunity to learn about Habitat and how you can get involved and also visit one of our current construction projects. You will learn that swinging a hammer is just one of many ways to help Habitat. These tours are typically held on the first Saturday of the month in Norristown, the second Saturday in Pottstown, and the third Saturday in Glenside (unless it falls on a holiday weekend). Please note that we do not hold Love in Action Tours in July or August.  Please email sbryant@habitatmontco.org or call the office at (610) 278-7710 for more information. 

* If you are performing community service, we have a brief application process and you must contact Shanell directly at sbryant@habitatmontco.org or (610) 278-7710.

Volunteering

Ways to Volunteer:


Construction


HFHMC works on rehabbed homes and new construction and we always have an ongoing project in each of three communities: Norristown, Pottstown and North Hills. No previous construction experience is necessary, only a willingness to work and learn.

Please keep in mind that all construction volunteers must be 18 or older to work on site, and that all volunteers must be scheduled in advance. Volunteers are typically scheduled up to two months in advance.


Committees


Building Committee
The Building Committee plans and oversees the work at the construction site, including evaluating new buildings to be rehabbed, securing the necessary materials and equipment for the job, and ensuring houses are built to Habitat standards. Typically meets on the Third Wednesday of every other month.  The Site Selection subcommittee looks at new, creative ways to identify, evaluate and acquire properties and possibly new areas of the country for Habitat to build in and meets on an "as needed" basis.

Development Committee
The Development Committee is committed to securing the necessary financial resources to fulfill our mission of eliminating poverty housing through partnerships with people and organizations in Montgomery County and focuses on major gifts, special events, grants, foundations, and other support. Typically meets every other Tuesday.

Faith Relations Committee
The Faith Relations Committee reaches out to, and establishes relationships with, the Montgomery County faith community through visitations and speaking in order to encourage each congregation to establish a covenant relationship with Habitat, through which each congregation will provide HFHMC with volunteers, committee members, financial support and support for Habitat events.

Family Services Committee
The Family Services Committee receives and evaluates applications for Habitat home ownership, verifies information, establishes working relationships with the families and recommends them to the board for approval.  This committee works to establish a supportive relationship with each partner family to assist them with problems and concerns that may arise throughout the process of becoming a Habitat homeowners, maintains contact with them once they are established in their own home to encourage their development as homeowners and participants in Habitat.  This committee also plans and operates the Cornerstone Program, to prepare and educate families for successful home ownership.  

Finance Committee
The Finance Committee prepares an annual budget to recommend to the Board of Directors, monitors receipts and expenditures, recommends and implements financial policies approved by the Board, sees that necessary and accurate financial records are maintained by the organization.  Typically meets on the first Friday of the month.

Government Affairs Committee
The Government Affairs Committee investigates and addresses government and nonprofit trends at the local, state and national levels and works closely with local governments and elected officials to ensure that they understand Habitat and what we can do for the community.  This committee connects with representatives of places where we are already active and also creates relationships with new areas where we may look to build in the future.

Marketing Committee
The Marketing Committee is responsible for developing and implementing a marketing plan to publicize the Habitat affiliate/ReStore and specific events to  residents of Montgomery County.  Typically meets on the fourth Thursday of the month.

Pottstown Steering Committee
The purpose of the Pottstown Steering Committee is to generate awareness within the community.  This committee holds monthly Love in Action Tours in Pottstown, participates in a variety of community outreach events, and speaks at various events when asked.  Typically meets on the second Thursday of the month or on an "as needed" basis.

ReStore Committee
The work of the ReStore Committee provides support and guidance to management and staff in the development and on-going operation of the ReStore by maintaining a vision for ReStore development, creating a yearly strategic plan and annual budget, reviewing current ReStore efforts, and coordinating with other committees to provide fundraising and event orchestration for the Habitat mission and the promotion of the ReStore to the community.

Speaker's Bureau
Speaker's Bureau members represent Habitat at community events or speak on the organization's behalf at civic clubs, schools, churches, etc. in order to raise awareness and educate the community about Habitat's work in Montgomery County.  This is the perfect way to share your love of Habitat with others.  Trainings scheduled throughout the year.

Volunteer Committee
The Volunteer Committee enlists and recognizes the work of Habitat volunteers, as well as ensuring the quality of the volunteer experience as a whole.This includes working with special projects and programs such as the Love in Action Tours and Youth Programs.  Typically meets on the second Wednesday of the month.

Women Build Committee
Women Build is Habitat's volunteer program for women who want to learn construction skills and make a difference by building homes and communities.  Recognizing that 77 percent of our homeowners are single mothers with children under the age of 18 when they move into their Habitat homes, this committee takes ownership over the fundraising, sponsoring and building of a Habitat home for a family in need.  Typically meets on the first Tuesday of the month.  Please click here for more information about Women Build.


ReStore


The ReStore is a retail operation that sells donated and surplus building materials, home appliances and furniture to the public for a fraction of their value. Every dollar of revenue realized through the ReStore diverts one pound of trash from our local landfills! All of the proceeds will help build more homes for families in need. The ReStore depends on many dedicated volunteers in the store and behind the scenes. Please click here for more information.

Please keep in mind that all ReStore volunteers must be 14 or older to work at the ReStore, and that all volunteers must be scheduled in advance.


Office


We need volunteers who can make a long-term commitment to come regularly to help with data entry, filing, and keeping our office running smoothly. We also have one-time special projects, such as mailings, that depend on volunteer labor.

For more information, please contact:
Shanell Bryant, Volunteer Coordinator
(610) 278-7710 or sbryant@habitatmontco.org