Non-Construction Volunteer Opportunities

Lunch Providers

Habitat for Humanity of New Castle County encourages groups to consider providing lunch for our construction volunteers. Providing lunch is not only greatly appreciated by the construction volunteers, but is a fantastic way for your group to experience the upbeat dynamic of a Habitat volunteer construction site.

Groups or individuals of all ages purchase and prepare lunches and deliver them to the work site by 11:45am. Depending on the day, there can be as many as 25 people volunteering at the construction sites. Simple lunches such as sandwiches, chips and cookies tend to work best as there is usually not running water available at the construction sites. Lunch is served at noon and cleanup is usually finished by 1:00pm. If you are interested in providing lunches or would like to learn more about additional non-construction volunteer opportunities please contact Nichol Barton, Volunteer Coordinator at (302) 652-0365 x103 or nbarton@habitatncc.org.

Office Volunteers

Office Volunteers are needed Tuesday thru Thursday to help with general office duties:

• Data entry
• Filing
• Retrieving phone messages
• Other clerical duties as needed

If you are interested in lending a helping hand in the office  please contact Nichol Barton, Volunteer Coordinator at (302) 652-0365 x103 or nbarton@habitatncc.org.

Habitat ReStore

The operation of the ReStore depends on the continuous efforts of volunteers who donate their time and energy on store days, to assist customers, ring up merchandise, or help load purchased goods into customers’ vehicles.  We are always looking for dedicated individuals who are interested in helping out the ReStore on sale days, or during the week with merchandise pick ups.

For more information about volunteering in the ReStore please contact Nichol, Volunteer Coordinator at (302) 652-0365 x 103 or nbarton@habitatncc.org.

Family Services

Family Selection

Choosing the families to own and occupy Habitat for Humanity 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.

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.

To learn more about Family Services volunteer opportunities please contact Tamikah Gowans, Director of Family Services at (302) 652-0365 x105 or tgowans@habitatncc.org.