Volunteer | Hancock County Habitat for Humanity

Hancock County Habitat relies on its volunteers!

Please fill in the form at the bottom of the page to request additional information and be sure to fill out our volunteer survey after participating on-site, in our ReStore, etc.

Costs and Benefits of Volunteering

What does it cost to become a Hancock County Habitat volunteer? What are the benefits? The cost is a few hours a week or a month, spent while building at the house site, serving on a committee, performing office-related work, or baking brownies for the workers. Our volunteer opportunities are open to all and we are quite ecumenical and welcoming. The benefits include working with other dedicated people who want to eliminate substandard housing in our area, gaining building skills, and experiencing the feeling that comes with knowing you are giving a hand up to someone in your community.

From the ground breaking ceremony to the house dedication, it is our volunteers who turn lumber, nails, roofing shingles, and gallons of paint into a real home for a deserving family.

Despite what this picture might lead you to believe, you must be 16 or older to participate on the job site…but, as stated above, there are many ways to be involved in Habitat’s mission!

Check out how MDI and Sumner high schools have contributed their time to Habitat projects.

SPECIAL OPPORTUNITIES:

Site Supervisors – If you are moderately handy, or are a skilled craftsman, your talents will be put to good use. We are always in need of supervisors for our Thursday and Saturday programs to instruct and guide our volunteers.

Community/Business Participation – Your business or community group provides volunteers for a day and we provide lunch and a team-building experience!

Community Service Volunteers – If requested volunteer service hours are part of a school requirement or a mandated, court-ordered program, there may be additional paperwork, and we will need a release to be able to speak to the referring agency prior to setting a schedule. All community service based volunteer inquiries must be disclosed up-front; we cannot sign off on any community service hours only disclosed as such after hours have been completed. Hancock County Habitat has limited volunteer opportunities for individuals completing community service hours through the court; court-ordered service will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Forms:

Fill in the applicable forms and either bring them to the job site or to our Ellsworth Office. Our volunteer coordinator will be in touch with you to discuss current opportunities based on the information provided on your application.

For additional information before your scheduled day of volunteering, please fill out the form below:

BOARD & OPERATING COMMITTEES

The Board of Directors typically meets the 3rd Tuesday of the month in Ellsworth. To apply to join the Board or an operating committee, please email: Director.HCHH@gmail.com

Partner Search & Selection Committee: responsible for being familiar with adopted, Board-level selection criteria, assisting with the generation of a flow of applicants, and interviewing & recommending applicants to the Board for approval as prospective homeowners.

Partner Nurture: responsible for providing homeowners or future homeowners with a mutual support system, educational opportunities, and a forum for discussions pertaining to homeownership and maintenance — all for the purpose of helping families break the poverty cycle and become independent.

Site Selection & Acquisition Committee: responsible for targeting the areas of the community in which the projects shall be developed (coordinating with Family Selection), investigating and researching the availability of property, and recommending property to the Board for acquisition.

Building Committee: responsible for planning and implementing the construction projects of the corporation. Tasks shall include obtaining house plans, soliciting professional help and donation of materials, finding and coordinating volunteers and supervising construction.

ReStore Operating Committee: responsible for overseeing operations of the Hancock County Habitat ReStore, accounting for income generated and coordinating volunteers at the store.

Public Relations Committee: responsible for educating and informing the general public regarding the mission and purpose of the affiliate, the need for better and more affordable housing in certain areas, and steps being taken to meet this need. Tasks include public speaking, communicating with the news media, and publishing of a periodic newsletter.

Development & Fundraising: responsible for implementing fundraising campaigns and planning special fundraising events for the affiliate, grant proposal writing, meeting with and cultivating current or potential donors, and making certain affiliate operations are fully funded each year