Habitat Committees
Here is a list of our committees and their responsibilities:
Faith Relations
This committee works to establish strong relationships with churches in the community because Habitat is a Christian organization that serves to witness to the gospel of Jesus Christ by building houses with persons in need. This committee seeks to involve individual church members and church groups in Habitat's work, to communicate regularly with churches, and to develop supporting partnerships with local churches. Although we are a Christian-based organization, we welcome people of all faiths.
Site Selection Committee
This committee is involved in identifying potential sites for construction. This includes working with local government officials on acquiring land and lots for building, water and sewer hookups and working with the construction committee to be sure lots are "buildable" for a house suitable for a partner family. Those who like to dabble in real estate would be natural members. Others are welcome too!
Construction Committee
This committee needs people who have an interest in and knowledge of home construction. This can include surveyors, architects, people who know building codes, carpenters, concrete workers, plumbers, electricians, utility people and building supply people. The Construction Committee evaluates potential building sites with the Site Selection Committee; creates a workable construction plan for each house, and develops a system for organizing families and volunteers for construction with the Volunteer Committee. If you have any knowledge at all, or if you would like some on-the-job training, please join us!
Family Selection Committee
This committee is made up of people willing to interview and work with families who have made application to be a partner family with Habitat. This committee develops processes and policies for selecting those in greatest need and evaluates applicant families to verify that they meet the criteria established by Habitat for homeownership. Working with the Family Selection Committee, you will find certain joy in making what seems an unobtainable dream come true for some of these families.
Family Support Committee
This committee works with partner families both before and after construction to be sure that the families know what is required in the area of sweat equity, to provide a record of that time requirement, and to help in the transition of true homeownership. Members of this committee may also help the families in the areas of budgeting and home maintenance.
Fund Raising Committee
This committee seeks to identify and contact potential donors (individual, church, corporate) for either cash or "in-kind" gifts of material, labor, property, and support. This committee also develops fund raising goals and materials, helps with grant writing, organizes fund raising activities, and works closely with the Public Relations Committee. You will be surprised to find how eager people are to give when they understand the principles of Habitat.
Public Relations Committee
This committee is charged with "getting the word out" about our Habitat chapter's activities and programs. People are needed to put together and distribute newsletters, to develop a working relationship with the local media, to speak to churches and other groups and organizations about our projects and our mission, and to otherwise publicize Habitat in our community.
Volunteer Coordination Committee
This committee organizes and contacts volunteers to set up times and places to work, both at job sites and for fund raising activities. This committee also tracks volunteers and volunteer hours, coordinates with outside work groups, provides support and recognition to volunteers, and provides food, first aid and hospitality at work sites.
Materials Committee
This committee solicits donations of building materials and labor needed for construction and coordinates pickup, delivery, storage and inventory of donated materials. This Committee works closely with the Construction Committee to identify materials needed for current construction.