Get Involved - Information for Prospective Volunteers

Volunteers

The Blitz Home Builders is a group of volunteers that come from all parts of the Unites States and the worldcountry and Canada once a year for an accelerated Habitat for Humanity "Blitz Build". We have a wide variety of skill levels and experiences. Many volunteers have been working on Habitat for Humanity builds for over 15 years, other have just joined our group. Every year we have new faces on our builds, mostly recruited by word-of-mouth. Many volunteers come to the builds with their sons, daughters and even grand-children as a great way to learn new skills, meet a great group of people, see different parts of the country, and help out families in need. We range in age from 16 years old to over 70. Our volunteers come from a wide range of occupations including engineering, construction, finance, administration, fire-fighters, artists, realtors, retirees, students, etc. We are always looking for new volunteers of all skill levels; all you need is a willingness to learn. There is something for everyone to do at a Blitz Build!

Planning

Every year the BHB Planning Committee decides upon a Habitat for Humanity affiliate to do a Blitz Build with. The planning committee meets bi-weekly with the affiliate for the 6 months prior to a build in order to ensure that all details are taken care of. The committee looks for reasonably affordable lodging for the volunteers, helps to arrange transportation to and from the build site, and works out logistic details for the event.

Fun

We like to work hard during the day. Once we are done building for the day and cleaned up, some people look for the local Brew Pubs, others grab some local food around town, and some hang out and catch up with each other.

The Sunday of the build is an off-day which we use to explore the area, catch a baseball game, go hiking around waterfalls, rent boats, go to museums, etc. You’re on your own, but there is always an extra seat in someone’s car to tag along.

On the Wednesday night of each build we have an Annual Meeting over dinner with all volunteers, Habitat staff and homeowners. This is a chance for everyone to discuss how the build is going, what can be done better in the future, ideas for new locations, suggestions, comments, etc. After dinner we relax, catch up, and have fun.

Details

Volunteers take their own vacation time and pay their own way for BHB Blitz Builds, including transportation, lodging and some meals. Volunteers typically can deduct some expenses on their taxes, but please consult your tax-advisor.

Because of all the planning, deposits, and commitments that need to be made to the affiliate, the BHB ask for a registration fee (typically around $70) to hold your spot on the build. With this registration fee you will get a Build T-Shirt and dinner at the Annual Meeting. The rest is credited toward your lodging balance and a small administration fee to cover costs.

The Habitat for Humanity affiliate do a great job to in arranging for lunches and some dinners to be provided by local sponsors or churches. Breakfast is usually provided by the hotel.

The Planning committee will secure affordable lodging for the group at a low group rate, typically between $18 and $30 per person per night. Volunteers pay for their lodging in advance to BHB and BHB pays the hotel.

Transportation

It is up to the volunteer to arrange transportation to and from the build city. For those people who fly in, some rent cars for the week, sharing rides with each other to help split costs. We have a Volunteer Message Board where people can coordinate rides to and from the airport and hotel as well as from the hotel to the build site daily. We also have a volunteer BHB “Host” who can help facilitate rides if needed. Others who live close choose to drive in, it is up to you.

Schedule

We typically start building on a Thursday or Friday. We will build through that Saturday with the goal of having the house dried-in by end of the day Saturday. These 2-3 days are big days, where all walls are built, stood, straightened, windows installed, trusses rolled, roof decked and roofing started. We take Sunday off to relax and enjoy the area. Saturday and Sunday is also when the subcontractors come in and rough in the electrical, mechanical and plumbing.

Monday morning, upon passing inspections, we typically are insulating, dry-walling, and siding. Tuesday and Wednesday we are finishing siding and painting. Thursday and Friday we typically install trim work, cabinets, flooring, and finish work. Saturday the Habitat affiliate will have a formal dedication, where the keys are handed over to the new homeowners.

This is a loose schedule since every build is a little different.