8 Reasons Why You Should Volunteer for Habitat for Humanity

Not only will you be doing good, but you'll also meet new people, have something to add to your resume, learn about home building and more.

By: Jacquelyn McGilvray

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©Habitat for Humanity

Photo By: Jeff Schear/Getty Images, Jeff Schear

©Habitat for Humanity

Boosting Communities Since 1984

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.

Bonding Experience

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.

Make a Difference in Someone’s Life

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.

Find Treasures at the 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.

Learn About Construction

When you volunteer for Habitat for Humanity, you’ll learn how a house is built. If you're worried about not knowing anything about home building or power tools, don't. Team leaders who are professionals will be on-site to guide you through each step and show you how to work power tools if need be.

Learn More: Attention First-Time Homebuyers: Do This Before You Buy

Resume Building

Even if your career interests aren’t in the building industry, having any type of volunteer work on your resume is a good thing. It shows employers that you’re a compassionate person who doesn’t mind stepping in to help out. Plus, volunteering allows you to meet new people and network.

It's a Good Workout

You don’t need to be buff and muscular to volunteer at a Habitat build. There are a variety of tasks and jobs that don’t require heavy lifting or climbing on rafters. And if you need inspiration or have any doubts about this, just look at President Jimmy Carter and his wife Roslynn. They’re in their 90s and are still swinging hammers and yielding paintbrushes.

You'll Feel Good About Yourself

It sounds corny, but it’s true. Volunteering is good for you. It increases your self-esteem, it’s an opportunity to make new friends, learn valuable skills and reduce stress. Plus, studies have shown, volunteering boosts overall happiness. So, take your spare time and put it to good use.

8 Reasons Why You Should Volunteer for Habitat for Humanity

Related To:

Shop This Look

Boosting Communities Since 1984

Bonding Experience

Make a Difference in Someone’s Life

Find Treasures at the ReStore

Learn About Construction

Resume Building

It's a Good Workout

You'll Feel Good About Yourself

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