We are excited that you are interested in leading a group experience with Habitat! Please check out this Group Volunteering Quick Guide to get started with planning your group’s activity on the work site. After reviewing the guide, contact Allison Mangles, Director of Family Services and Volunteer Engagement, at (203) 785-0794 ext. 110 or amangles@habitatgnh.org to select a date and receive information for participants to register in Volunteer Up.
Every year more than 200 groups representing all segments of our community help to build Habitat homes. A group of people can accomplish a lot on a construction site in one day. Volunteering as a group is a great team building activity and a unique opportunity to make a positive and tangible contribution to the community.
Making Reservations
We are happy to schedule a build date for your group! Most Saturdays are reserved for sponsor groups but we do sometimes have spots available. We can almost always schedule a group Tuesday-Friday at one of our sites.
Contact us with multiple potential dates that will work for your group. We make every effort to schedule preferred dates, but we ask that you be flexible.
The maximum number for a group is 8-12 people depending on the stage of construction and the number of individual or regular volunteers who may already be scheduled. Smaller groups are also welcome. Group volunteers are expected to arrive together and remain the entire day. We do not schedule partial days or late arrivals.
Volunteers must be 16 or older to work on a Habitat construction site.
Please note: construction delays, weather-related issues and other unforeseen factors beyond our control occasionally require us to change a scheduled volunteering date. We ask that you explain this to your permission granting administrators and volunteers so that they can be prepared. We only reschedule when we are absolutely compelled to do so and we appreciate your understanding and flexibility if this occurs. Check the Volunteer Blog for updates.
Making a Financial Donation
Like all Habitat affiliates, Habitat for Humanity of Greater New Haven raises 100% of the funds needed to build homes from the local community. We receive very little government funding and none whatsoever from Habitat International. Making a financial contribution in addition to providing volunteers enables us to continue our mission of eliminating poverty housing by building safe, decent and affordable houses for qualified low income families.
When you call to make a reservation, the Volunteer Coordinator will request that your group consider making a financial contribution in conjunction with volunteering, particularly if you are requesting a Saturday date. (This applies only if your group is not already a Habitat sponsor or donor.) Your contribution will be used to purchase tools, equipment and building materials that your group will use when they volunteer. Groups that donate in addition to sending volunteers may request multiple days or the addition of a few more volunteers. However, depending on the stage of construction, Habitat may or may not be able to accommodate these additional volunteers.
Suggested levels of financial support are:
- Corporate Groups: $750-$1,500 per group depending on group size and number of days requested
- Small Businesses: $250-$500 per group depending on group size and number of days requested
- School Groups and Congregations: $100-$500 per group (schools and congregations may consider doing a tool drive in lieu of a financial contribution.)
In appreciation and recognition of your organization’s generosity, Habitat will recognize your contribution in our annual report, in our newsletter, and on our social media sites. Groups are encouraged to take pictures and send them to Allison Mangles, Volunteer Coordinator, at amangles@habitatgnh.org for posting.
