8 Reasons Why You Should Volunteer for Habitat for Humanity

Habitat for Humanity builds neighborhoods not just houses, so you'll help out a town, not just a few people. The organization started in the mid-1970s and former President Jimmy Carter and his wife Roslynn got involved in 1984. Their Carter Work Project (CWP) is an annual home building event that constructs several houses in one community. The location of the CWP alternates each year between international and domestic locations; it was in Nashville in 2019 and will be in the Dominican Republic in 2020. Pictured above is President and Mrs. Carter at the first CWP in New York City in 1984.

Looking for a bonding experience for you and your colleagues or something to do with your dad on Father’s Day? Volunteering in a group is a fantastic way to get to know your co-workers. If you're looking for something new to do with your parents or grown children, what better way to spend time together than helping out in your community.

Homeownership is not accessible to a large portion of the population; Habitat for Humanity makes it possible for people who never dreamed it could happen. When you work on a build, you’ll work alongside the new homeowner. Habitat for Humanity is a hand-up, not a handout. Every future homeowner has to contribute a lot of sweat equity. They have to work at least 200 hours on their own home as well as spend time volunteering at a Habitat for Humanity ReStore.

If you volunteer at a Habitat for Humanity ReStore, you'll probably find some fantastic bargains. Habitat for Humanity has 900 ReStores all over the country. They are filled with new and used building materials, home decor, appliances and lighting. Restores are often looking for volunteers to sort goods, stock shelves and help customers. By seeing the goods and merchandise before it hits the sales floor, you may be able to find the perfect item for your home.