Groups
Thank you for considering a contribution of your time and efforts to
Morris Habitat for Humanity. There are several ways to volunteer with us.
Construction
On-site construction work is the most popular of Habitat’s volunteer opportunities. We make every effort to incorporate all willing volunteers regardless of skill level. Many companies and individuals put a team together to participate as a group with Morris Habitat for Humanity. Without the help of groups like these, the work that we do would not be possible.
If your group is interested in participating, please follow these steps:
- Choose a team captain and recruit between 5 and 15 people to be on your team. Please note: Group size is determined by the size of the work site. If your group is larger than 15 people, we would need to split you between multiple days or multiple sites.
- Download and complete the Volunteer Group Form and fax it to the Habitat office at 973.891.1938. Your build date is not booked until you receive confirmation from the office.
- Once a date is agreed upon, make sure to bring the age-appropriate and signed release forms to the work site. Check the Work Site page to find out what to expect during a work day. Please be on time.
- After your build day, please complete the Volunteer Evaluation Form . Your feedback is appreciated.
- Look to see if funding is available. Many corporations have “Dollars for Doers” grants, special funds for materials needed that work day, or similar “matching” programs. If you represent a faith-based, school, or civic group, you may like to consider holding a fundraiser or gathering donations to help offset construction costs.
Team-Building Activities at a Construction Site
Does your organization want to improve teaming and leadership skills while increasing community involvement? TeamingWorks, in an alliance with Morris Habitat for Humanity, will deliver a four-part structured team-building program that helps project teams and their leaders become better communicators and more productive. One aspect of this unique program involves taking the team through hands-on activities at a Habitat construction site. Imagine what a team can discover while building a wall, installing a fence or hanging doors. Consider the problem solving, communications, leadership and planning that goes into building a house for someone in need. Teams will be briefed on safety, construction quality and task details before putting new skills into action. Participants will end the work day with a feeling of accomplishment and pride and a clear understanding of how to improve the functioning of the team and its members.
TeamingWorks President and CEO Gary Kastenbaum is a human resources professional and certified facilitator with expertise in team building. Gary’s skills include construction knowledge from his work as an industrial educator, technical trainer and site supervisor with Morris Habitat. Visit the TeamingWorks web site for more information on this new and exciting program.
Congregations
Special ways for faith-based groups to help include providing space for meetings and events and participating in sponsorship of our second Interfaith Build on Morris Avenue in Summit (2009-2011). Habitat for Humanity suggests a variety of partnership opportunities for churches, synagogues, and other religious groups.
Become a Partner
The Morris Habitat Partnership Opportunity Program is designed to allow supporters to become more involved with our program by offering participation in a wide range of sponsorship activities. For more information, contact the Morris Habitat office at 973.891.1934.
Other Ways to Help
Not sure where you fit but want to get your feet wet volunteering? Check out these ideas: provide lunch or snacks at an event or construction site, make a gift for our homeowner families, organize a fundraiser with your group, or help put up fliers in your town for an upcoming event.