Dear Volunteer:

Habitat for Humanity International lives with the goal of eliminating substandard housing in our world. Yet significant strides are being made. There are now homes being built in 2,700 locations in 76 nations and the 100,000th home was dedicated last fall. Topeka HFH has renovated or built over 60 houses since we began in 1984. Are there fewer sub-standard homes in our city today? I don't know. I can guarantee there are still families living in poor housing. We can do something about that!

Topeka Habitat for Humanity volunteers usually work on Saturdays from 8:30 AM until 4:00 PM.  Many (most) people are willing to give a few evenings or even one or two days a year in voluntary service. Most of us don't like to make long term commitments. I am asking friends from your organization to organize for one Saturday (though I probably would not turn you down if there is interest in working a second day!)

I will want to communicate with a volunteer group through a group captain or a contact person. A team might include 4 or 5 people - men and women - or as many as about 20. Small teams will be working with another small team the same day. We are establishing a work schedule recommended by HFH International that suggests 16 to 20 people as about the right size. But don't be surprised when you arrive to find a few individuals who have done HFH work before and know that volunteers are always welcome.

Yes a Site Director will meet you when you arrive to help you get started.

Please pass this information along to the "Volunteer Coordinator" or a past Habitat for Humanity volunteer. I suggest that early on this person call me to establish a tentative work day. I believe it will make it easier to secure other interested and willing volunteers.

In the meantime... please pass this information to an appropriate person or committee. We, all of us, have the resources, both financial and human, to help end the problem of poverty housing and homelessness. Many worthy families hope that our willingness will make a meaningful difference for their lives.