The Blitz Home Builders is a group of volunteers that come from all parts of the United States and the world once a year for an accelerated "Blitz Build". We have a wide variety of skill levels and experiences. Many volunteers have been working on Habitat for Humanity builds for over 20 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!
Frequently asked questions
How do I sign up for a build?
Register For A Build Once registration for a build opens, register for the build ASAP to reserve your spot.Tell us if you need lodging and for how long. |
Pay for Lodging After the registration period closes you will receive a lodging invoice email (if lodging was requested) for the nights you requested. |
Show Up and Hit Some Nails! That's it, now just show up! Watch out for more details as the build gets closer. |
How do the Blitz Home Builders decide where to build?
Partnering organizations can contact our Site Selection Committee. We ask the affiliate to fill out our Online Affiliate Questionnaire in order to help evaluate the affiliate. Many aspects are taken into account when selecting an affiliate. Some aspects we look at include the amount of staff the affiliate has to support an accelerated build, the families in need, the sponsorships and funding for the houses, the local volunteer support, the construction type, etc. We also look at locations in term of logistics, such as how close to a major airport the build site would be, the availability of lodging in the area, and the weather and climate of the location. Many of our past affiliates have used a BHB Blitz Build as either a Kick-Off build or a Grand-Finale build for a neighborhood or project. A Blitz Home Builders Blitz Build is a great way to spur media attention in your area in order to cultivate volunteers and sponsors for your affiliate. Check out our Media and Awards page to see some of the past articles and new stories about past BHB Blitz Builds.
How can I stay aware of future builds?
If I join the mailing list, am I obligated to register for a build?
No, signing up to be on the mailing list just provides us with enough contact information so we can send you emails. There is no obligation to register for a build.
I've never built anything before, can I still participate?
Yes, anyone at any skill level is welcome to join us at a build. All we ask it that you bring a desire to work and a willingness to learn. We'll send you home with some new skills and a smile on your face. You can choose to participate in construction work or non-construction support work when you register for a build.
What is the time commitment of a build?
We would love it if everyone attending a build could be there for the full 9 days of the build. There's something seeing a house spring out of the ground and then to be there when the keys are handed over the new owner. But that is not always possible. So sign up for as many days as you can.
How much does it cost to participate in a build?
As this is a charity event, you are responsible for all of your costs to participate in a build, for example:
- You will need to cover your travel costs to and from the build city from your home as well as daily transportation to and from the hotel to the build site. We do provide a message board for volunteers to self-organize ride sharing.
- You are also responsible for your lodging. The Blitz Home Builders offers a discounted rate at a local hotel that you can chose to stay in when you register, we try to negotiate hotel rates around $50-70 per night per person in a shared room. Private rooms can also be requested during registration for double the cost.
- You should also plan on paying for all dinners and some of the breakfasts/lunches. Breakfasts may be included in your lodging and we try to find sponsorships for many of the lunches.
Can I bring my kids?
Children under the age of 16 are not allowed on the work site. Children who are 16 or 17 years old are not allowed to run power tools or be on the roofs. If you bring children under the age of 16, you are responsible for their supervision.
What does a typical build schedule look like?
Typically builds start on a Thursday, with a Leader Pre-Build Day the Wed before. Some years the build will start on a different days and may also be shortened or extended depending on the Affiliate and local construction techniques. Work usually begins at 7:00am and we try to wrap up by 4:00pm each day.
Sun |
Mon |
Tue |
Wed |
Thur |
Fri |
Sat |
Crew Leader Pre-Build Day |
Day 1 Wall Framing |
Day 2 Trusses |
Day 3 Roof Framing |
|||
Day Off (subs) |
Day 4 Insulation & Drywall |
Day 5 Siding & Roofing |
Day 6 Painting |
Day 7 Cabinets & Doors |
Day 8 Finish Work |
Dedication |
Who is ELIGIBLE for the homes?
Typically, anyone who has applied to an affiliate and been accepted into their program can purchase one of the homes. The homeowner selection is handled by the partnering organization, not Blitz Home Builders.
Will I get to work with the future homeowners?
One of the things we try to do is to have the future homeowners work with us as much as possible during the build so we can get to know each other.
Do the homeowners buy the homes?
Yes, the new homeowners have a mortgage just like anyone who buys a house. The mortgage is carried by the local affiliate.
how much fun is a blitz build?
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 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.
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 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.
what does the planning committee do?
Every year the BHB Planning Committee accepts applications from partnering organizations and then decides upon an 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.
is there a waiver I must sign to participate?