Volunteer

Ways You Can Help

Dorchester Habitat for Humanity relies on volunteers to help accomplish the many tasks that are required to complete homes for Habitat families. Call 843-851-1414 or email volunteer@dorchesterhabitat.org to volunteer. Here’s where you can make a difference:

Pray!

This is a Christian housing ministry and we’ve seen God answer prayer often and generously.

Help Build

We build houses on Thursday 8am to noon, Saturday 8am-2pm. No special skills are needed; our crew leaders will teach you what you need to know. Tools are provided, but you are welcome to bring your own. Volunteers must sign an insurance waiver, wear closed-toe shoes, wear non-revealing clothing and follow all safety instructions. Lunch is provided as is water and portable toilet. Jobs include: painting, hammering, roofing and more. Call 851-1414 to see when your gifts can be used next.

Donate a Meal

Our work crews on Saturdays work hard and welcome a good lunch. Call our Volunteer Coordinator at 843- 851-1414 to offer to provide meals (usually for about 25 people).

Office Work

We can use your assistance with folding newsletters, updating the database, writing thank you’s, calling volunteers, etc.

ReStore

We need cashiers, customer service, truck pick-ups of donations, clerks, pricers, help with cleaning and repairing merchandise. The Habitat ReStore has two shifts for volunteers, 9-12.30 and 12.30-4 Tuesday through Saturday. Requirements include a ready smile, a helpful nature and be dependable and on time.

Special Events

Work on Harvest for Habitat dinner/auction, the River Roast and Chili Cook-off and other events. Help organize, decorate, source for auction items and sponsors, sell tickets, put up posters, etc.

Join a Committee

Much of the vital work of Habitat for Humanity is done by volunteer members of our many committees which meet monthly:

• Family Selection
• Family Support
• Public Relations
• Site Selection
• ReStore
• Fundraising Events
• Building
• Church Relations
• Development & Grants
• Advocacy

See descriptions and call 843- 851-1414 or email volunteer@dorchesterhabitat.org if you are interested.

Dorchester Habitat for Humanity Committee Descriptions

Building

Coordinates construction. Schedules, supervises construction & safety on site, obtains building materials, quality control, keeps costs down, etc. Works with Site Selection Committee to determine the need for land and to evaluate potential build sites.

Church Relations

Recruits and nurtures local congregations of all faiths to commit to the ministry of Habitat. Designs and implements partnership, establishes donor recognition, plans events to mark Building on Faith Week (3rd week on September).

Family Selection

Acts as liaison between applicant and DHH. Determines criteria used to select families; criteria then approved by the board of directors. Coordinates and oversees orientation seminars for prospective homeowners, develops and screens applications, interviews applicants, and recommends them to the board for approval. Once a family is approved, Family Selection turns them over to the Family Support Committee.

Family Support

Mentors the partner families regarding “sweat equity” hours, homeownership education. Present through the closing process. After a family moves into their home, the Family Support Committee continues to help the family adjust to new responsibilities, holding educational seminars and acting as liaison between the Partner Family and DHH for one year.

Development/Grants/Fundraising

Annually formulates a strategy and then carries it out to raise funds for the Annual Campaign for building and operations, as well as capital projects as and when needed. Also in charge of donor appreciation.