Habitat for Humanity Builds
in the National Capital Region

People are excited about building with Habitat for Humanity because they realize it's a way to make a difference! Volunteers of all ages and experience team up for a common purpose: to provide simple, decent, affordable houses for low-income families. These builds are made possible through the aid of sponsors, resources, and volunteers like you!

The Process

The Habitat process begins with a family. Applications are sent into local Affiliate offices by the dozens from families living in inadequate housing. After a thorough review of the applications, a family in need is selected for a Habitat Home. This is where the real journey begins!

After an Affiliate finds a site for the home to be built on, the family is required to put in 500 hours of "sweat equity" where the family contributes in the building of their own home, or other Habitat homes.

The local Affiliate raises funds in the community and finds sponsors willing to get involved by donating, time, volunteers, money, and building materials to the house. Once the details have been worked out the building can begin.

Volunteers are recruited by the local Affiliates. Volunteers are always required to fill out forms stating their experience levels. This way they can be given tasks that make the most of their experience. Even volunteers with NO experience find that building a Habitat home teaches them more than they ever imagined about construction. Crew leaders instruct volunteers in how to frame up walls, put up insulation and drywall. They teach techniques for siding, and roofing, as well as interior work like sanding and painting. The building of a Habitat home often results in the building of new friendships.

The Women Build Program runs much like our regular builds, but also offers a unique opportunity for women to run a build under the guidance of other skilled tradesmen and women. These builds are filled with sharing, learning, and humour, and present the volunteer with a whole new host of fundraising ideas, creative projects, and learning incentives.

When the house is finished and the family is ready to move in there is a dedication celebration for the family and volunteers who have made this dream a reality. Most dedications are filled with tearful hugs, and handshakes, and a prayer thanking God for the new home and the people who have made it possible.

If interested in becoming a volunteer with Habitat for Humanity NCR please fill out theVolunteer Application Form.

Take a look at the building schedule to find out what's happening across Canada and in your area.

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