Thank you so very much for your interest in supporting Frederick Habitat!  Volunteers are the backbone of nonprofit organizations as they dedicate their time and energy to make a difference in the world. The phenomenal success of Habitat for Humanity of Frederick County, MD's mission is a reflection of the ever-increasing dedication and enthusiasm of our volunteers’ efforts on a continual basis.  The resounding success of our organization cannot be recognized without your involvement!

 

Volunteers can serve on one or more of our committees.  The following are short descriptions about the committees that are currently part of Frederick Habitat:

 

 

Faith Relations Committee

 

The Faith Relations Committee handles cultivation and handling of faith groups and organizes congregational builds and events. Congregations of all sizes can partner with Habitat for Humanity in a variety of ways as Frederick Habitat helps your church carry out its goals for ministry. Volunteering on the job site and on committees is one way to help. Another way is to raise awareness of the need for adequate housing.

 

Responsibilities:

A Faith Relations team member is responsible for:

• approaching individuals about involving their place of worship in Habitat’s work.

• suggesting partnership possibilities that seem appropriate for the goals of various places of worship.

• supporting faith leaders with promotional materials, making presentations to churches, answering questions and offering encouragement to church leaders.

 

Family Services Committee

 

Committee members are expected to spend approximately an average of 4 - 10 hours per month on meetings and special events, such as at public Family Services information events or new Partner Family orientations or mentorships.  Some tasks include:

 

• Review applications for completion and buyer readiness and schedule home visits.

• Respectfully and actively participate in decision-making and selection of new homebuyer families.

• Recommend homebuyers to the Board of Directors.

• Help facilitate prospective homebuyer information sessions.

• Distribute and publicize HFH-FC's homeowner program to the Frederick County community and potential buyers.

• Do intake and assessment for families interested in purchasing a home from HFH-FC.

• Participate at new Partner Family orientation meetings.

• Be a mentor through the home-buying process and be the advocate of the Partner Family during internal Habitat meetings.

• Support one assigned Partner Family from the start of orientation meeting to 3 months post-settlement.

• Meet at least once a month with the Partner Family before settlement.

• Attend special events such as Dedication.

 

Previous Partner Families who have successfully completed our Habitat program and have established a good relationship are encouraged to serve on the committee at least once.

 

 

Public Relations Committee

 

Committee members usually spend between 5-10 hours a month working on promoting Habitat through various public avenues, including the Frederick News-Post and other local and national publications. Some of the tasks include:

 

• Writing press releases about Habitat events and/or projects.

• Communicating with local news outlets, including television and radio, to have them come to major Habitat events.

 

​Women Build Committee

 

Women Build is Habitat for Humanity's program that enables women to help eliminate poverty housing by build­ing homes and communities. Through Women Build, thousands of women volunteers and homeowners gain the confidence and skills to lay bricks, pound nails, raise walls—and create hope! This program brings together women from all walks of life to address the housing crisis facing millions of women and children worldwide. No experience is necessary!

 

Since Women Build is building in Brunswick this year, there are several additional sub-committees that are needed. Here are the responsibilities of each sub-committee.

 

Construction Team

• Work with the Frederick Habitat Project Leader to establish a construction schedule.

• Work with the volunteer team to locate adequate leadership for the build. Ensure that all necessary tools and equipment will be available on site for the volunteers.

 

Fundraising Team

• Coordinate campaigns with Frederick Habitat Business Development personnel to raise funds and gifts-in-kind to support the build.

 

Food Services Team

• Prepare menus and a food “take-off” list that include soap, paper towels, paper plates, cups, napkins, condiments, etc.

• Obtain and organize donations of food and utensils from local churches, various organizations (great opportunity for youth groups), food chains, local restaurants, corporate sponsorships, etc.

• Establish “snack stations” (tables set up with snacks, fruit and water) around the site.

 

Logistics Team

• Establish a registration/general information tent - also a good location for “lost and found."

• Establish a first aid tent with folding sides to ensure privacy and large enough to cover two cots/beds.

• Ensure that there is secure storage for tools and materials and parking.

• Establish food service tent(s) sufficient to provide covered seating for at least one third to one half of the volunteers at any one time.

 

Public Relations/Media Team

• Coordinate campaigns with Frederick Habitat PR Committee.

• Craft a key message that keeps the focus on the “end product” - a family will receive a home of their own.

• Develop materials for the Women Build event to get the word out.

 

Volunteer Team

• Hold orientation meetings. Topics should include how Habitat works, introduction of the homeowner, building schedules, etc.

• Listen to volunteers to find out areas of interest and get them actively contributing in those areas.

• Structure volunteer crews - 20 to 25 volunteers per house, per workday.

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If you are interested in taking part in any of these committees, please contact Leslie Ajuria at 301-698-2449 x7 or volunteer@frederickhabitat.org.