Habitat for Humanity of Metro Denver Program Overview
Habitat for Humanity of Metro Denver is a homeownership program that builds and sells homes to low income families in need of decent and affordable shelter. Habitat homeowners purchase the homes with zero-percent interest mortgages, and invest 200 hours of sweat equity labor (per applicant) to help build their homes and the homes of other families. Habitat for Humanity of Metro Denver has built 500 homes since 1979 with local volunteer and financial support.
Metro Wide Presence
Habitat for Humanity of Metro Denver serves low income families in Adams, Arapahoe, Denver, Douglas and Jefferson Counties. The majority of the homes, 200, have been constructed in Denver but Habitat for Humanity also has a large presence in Aurora where 84 homes have been built. Aurora is home to one of Habitat's most high profile developments, an 11 home community that features solar panels on each house. This development is located less than 2 miles from the University of Colorado Hospital.
Opportunities for Engagement
Community volunteers can engage with Habitat for Humanity's program in a variety of ways. Volunteers can help to build homes, support the ReStores or organize a tool drive.
Construction Volunteer Opportunities: Every Habitat for Humanity is home is constructed by volunteers who work under the leadership of Habitat's construction supervisors. Volunteers are not required to have construction experience, and Habitat for Humanity provides the tools, materials and safety equipment. Volunteers are trained to perform the day's tasks and the construction supervisor is on site throughout the day to answer questions. Volunteer opportunities are available on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Volunteers are required to work a full day shift from 9-4:30 p.m. All volunteers must be at least 16 years old. The construction sites can accommodate groups of up to 10 volunteers but also have room for individual volunteers. To schedule a volunteer group please contact Aimee Runge at Aimee@habitatmetrodenver.org or 720-496-2717. Individual volunteers can register online at www.habitatmetrodenver.org.
ReStore Volunteer Opportunities: Habitat for Humanity operates three ReStores in the Metro area. The ReStores are thrift stores where Habitat sells new and used building materials and the proceeds benefit Habitat for Humanity of Metro Denver. The stores are open to the public and offer great deals on doors, windows, appliances, flooring, furniture, hardware and many other items.
The ReStores are staffed almost exclusively by volunteers who help to unload donations, stock shelves, organize merchandise and assist customers. The ReStores utilize volunteers every Monday through Saturday and offer two volunteer shifts per day 9-2 p.m. and 2-6 p.m. The ReStores can accommodate groups of up to 8 volunteers as well as individual volunteers. To schedule a volunteer group please contact Alice Goble at Alice@habitatmetrodenver.org or 303-596-5289. Individual volunteers can register online at www.habitatmetrodenver.org.
Organize a Tool Drive
The average cost to construct a Habitat home is $160,000 and Habitat of Metro Denver must fundraise every dollar. To help keep costs down community members often organize tool drives to collect hand tools, painting supplies and cleaning supplies and donate them to Habitat. For a full list of items that can be collected through a tool drive please contact Jeanne Fischetti at Jeanne@habitatmetrodenver.org or 720-496-2713.