During my years in college I participated in three spring break alternative trips to different areas to work on projects with Habitat for Humanity. Recently our alumni association was feeling the void of these trips and decided to schedule trips for alumni, both individuals that had gone on trips during undergrad and those that had not. It was through these trips that I caught the Habitat volunteering bug. As a local teacher, I have summers off and in the past had always worked a second, even third job. This year I decided I wanted to take the summer off completely and volunteer with Habitat Cape May County as often as I could. One thing that really drew me to go on all the Habitat trips with my college were the great people that went and the long-time relationships that were established just from the week that we were together. Habitat Cape May County is no exception. Every person on the worksite is welcoming from the minute you walk up. There is a wonderful variety of individuals that all provide their own experience and knowledge to the worksite every day. These individuals are consistently willing to help less experienced volunteers and allow them to complete the task at hand. Every day is different on the worksite and is another reason why I enjoy it so much. I have learned so much over my trips and my time spent this summer that I know I will be able to use throughout my life both on my own projects and future worksites. I look forward to many more hours of volunteering.
It was always a dream of mine to some day volunteer for Habitat for Humanity. So when I retired that dream was realized at Habitat in Cape May County. This is an exceptional group of individuals and organization. On the building sites every individual is welcomed and encouraged to contribute at a comfortable skill level as well as supported to try new tools while gaining additional expertise. Volunteers, who are not builders, are also inspired to offer their talents in a variety of ways such as bringing lunch to the building site every day.
Social media is used by this organization in that pictures of progress are posted to their Facebook pages each day when building occurs at the site. Volunteers and future homeowners are pictured working together toward their common goal.
It truly is an honor to be part of this organization where each volunteer is respected as an integral part of an amazing dream building team.
I've always been impressed with the whole concept of Habitat for Humanity. So when I retired 2 years ago, I knew I had to look into volunteering. It was the best decision I ever made. With only office work experience, what could I offer this organization? I learned it's what they offered me. I've been a part of 2 houses being built from the ground up. Drywall, insulating, plumbing, painting, helping to build a ramp, seeding a new lawn, planting a garden. Whatever I want to try, the building supervisors and/or the knowledgeable volunteers are right next to me until I feel comfortable with a new skill. And on top of this, I've made so many new friends. It's an amazing thing to watch on a weekly basis. So come and join us. You'll love it! It's the best job you'll ever have!
There's a lot of people out there that don't know what HABITAT FOR HUMANITY IS..Let me start by saying ITS A WONDERFUL PROGRAM, it is full of all volunteers that take time out of their daily schedules to help build a home for a lucky person. IN THIS CASE I WAS THE LUCKY PERSON!!! MY EXPERIENCE BEING HANDS ON FROM GROUND UP HAS BEEN AWESOME. I'VE MET SOOOO MANY WONDERFUL PEOPLE ALONG THE WAY...PLEASE GO TO FACEBOOK LOOK UP HABITAT FOR HUMANITY OF CAPE MAY AND LIKE THE PAGE, CHECK OUT THE PHOTOS FROM THE TRANSFORMATIONS of not being nothing but trees to beautiful homes that make a families dream truly come true...
Truly BLESSED,
THE LABOY FAMILY
I am recently retired and was looking for a volunteer experience that would stay in the local community. I wanted to do something with my hands and be able to see actual results. H4H was the perfect group for me. I have met great people and have learned some new skills along the way. I am a fairly new volunteer and know that my future experiences will only get better. I have been very fortunate in my life and want to give back, at least a little. Being able to meet and work along side the owners of the house being built really makes the project personal and rewarding. If you want to meet good hardworking people and actually see the fruits of your labor H4H of Cape May County is the organization for you.
I retired from a 40 year career in dentistry an was looking for a new challenge in a local volunteer activity. I like working outside and have a decent amount of experience with tools. I was also looking for an opportunity to meet some new people of retirement age and possibly make some new friends. H4H seemed like a good fit. I like the idea of giving people in need a "hand up", not a "hand out". I also like the idea of helping folks in your community or in nearby communities. It has all worked out for me. I am providing some manpower on a great worksite, I have met some really quality hardworking people who believe in what they are doing for their fellow man, and I come home at the end of each work day feeling really good about what I have done that day. And best of all, I've had fun and don't miss the stress of providing dental care for anxious patients or battling with insurance companies for patients benefits! William Dudley DMD
The Cape May H4H is an amazing group of people making a difference in the lives of Cape May County families and the communities they live in. I am now working on my 3rd H4H home and have done everything from framing out a roof in 35 degree weather to hanging kitchen cabinets in an almost complete home. I have been blessed to have had the opportunity to work side by side with many of the future home owners and their amazing children. To watch an 8 year old painting what will be his/her first "own bedroom" and the excitement that accompanies it is a humbling and "centering" experience that lasts long beyond the day of volunteer labor.
If you want to make a difference and actually see, feel and experience the difference you are making I would strongly suggest you look into volunteering with Cape May County H4H.
I want to do something for the community. HFH has provided me an easy vechicle to do that. We had some rain and a lot of steamy hot days. The sore muscles remind me of the help I may have given someone less fortunate. Thanks HFH....Terry
I found Habitat For Humanity added a new dimension to learning. I have the pleasure of working with like mined people of all walks of life. The knowledge I've gained and the friends I've made are invaluable. If someone told me 10 years ago I would be helping to build homes I would have said your crazy. Habitat for Humanity is like no other charity. Don't be afraid just ask is the motto! The supervisors are real pros!
I've been working with habitat since 2006. I have helped build homes for 8 families in the county. It is great working with the staff and volunteers of habitat. Meeting and making so many great friends is a real joy.
As a do it yourselfer, I'm always busy doing my own jobs. Working with habitat I am doubly rewarded by helping others and learning new techniques and materials to use in my own home.
I invite others to join this great charity and group of people to build new homes and lives for others.
If u can't build we can always use new tools or donations..:-)