Habitat for Humanity is about partnership. One of the most important partnerships we have in Habitat for Humanity is with our Partner Families. But we can't do that job alone. Volunteers are need to help with our Family Support & Family Selection Committees. When selected into our program, our families are part of the very foundation of building their home. This includes: the 'sweat-equity' requirements (225 hours onsite) and successful completion of our Cornerstone Training Program. In addition, our Partner Families attend and participate in special events and outreach opportunities, serving as 'Habitat Ambassadors;' reaching out to others to share their story. This partnership allows our homeowners to become deeply involved not just in the building of their own homes, but also future Habitat homes. Your help in continuing our missin is greatly appreciated! Read below for specific committee qualifications.

Family Selection
Choosing the families to own and occupy Habitat for Humanity is one of the most difficult and challenging aspects of this ministry. The Family Selection Committee is responsible for drafting the selection criteria used to select families for approval by the Board of Directors. The Committee is also responsible for :
• Informing prospective homeowners that they may be eligible to apply
• Screening applicants
• Interviewing prospective families
• Recommending applicants to the Board of Directors for approval

Qualifications & Commitment

Qualifications:
•Communicate well with applicants, staff and other Family Selection Committee members
•Willing to make difficult decisions based on criteria
•Must be willing to visit unfamiliar neighborhoods with other committee members
•Understand requirements for Habitat homeownership - the process, credit reports, etc.
•Sensitivity to diverse groups of people, especially low-income earning people
•Must be able to be objective

Commitment:
One year commitment, 5 to 6 hours per month.

Once an applicant has been approved as a prospective homeowner, the committee works in conjunction with the Family Support Committee to continue the relationship building process.

Family Support
The backbone of the relationship between a family and a Habitat affiliate is the Family Support committee. A strong committee helps diminish the cycle of poverty by serving as a resource to families in the process of becoming homeowners. The Family Support committee has a unique responsibility that requires patience, knowledge and wisdom.
The Family Support committee reports to the affiliate Board of Directors and is responsible for planning, implementing and evaluating the affiliate's support program. The committee specifically works with families through:
• Sweat Equity
• Homeownership education
• The closing process
• Adjustment to new responsibilities
• Continued partnership

Qualifications & Commitment

Qualifications:
• Good listeners and relationship builders
• Sensitive to and experienced with other issues that may result from living with a limited income (such as a lack of education, improper nutrition and health care, debt, relationship strains, low self-esteem, anxiety, frustration).
• Budget planning skills helpful

Commitment:
One year commitment, 6 to 7 hours per month.

Through your support efforts, Habitat homeowners most recently reported a greater sense of security and confidence. Their faith increases as a result of the new relationships in their life. In many cases the performance of their children at school increases due to greater stability at home. Some of the homeowners have gone back to college to further their education. Thank you for all that you do!