I love to volunteer. Volunteering with Habitat for Humanity of Greater Orlando is right at the top of the organizations I just LOVE to be involved with at every opportunity.
The work my hubby and I have been involved with at Habitat most recently have been with events which involve the generosity of different trade shows/conventions that come to Orlando and so graciously offer to leave BRAND NEW items they have presented at conventions for Habitat to use in building houses for those in need.
I cannot possibly explain how much FUN it is to collect these items from generous vendors! It makes the vendor happy and it helps so many people almost all of us will never meet.
You may ask yourself 'how is this 'fun?'' Let me explain. Habitat leaders put us together in teams, most of us whom have never met each other before, and send us off to collect items from the vendors that donate. The 'fun' begins when we try to compete with another team to get our items back to the Habitat collection area the fastest. Actually, as each team is assembled and assigned a task, teams are all quick to stop and help out another team that might be struggling, so we do not actually 'compete' against anything but time, as Habitat has a limited window of time to get things dissembled and placed on pallets.
Habitat does so much for our local community in need! But what I don't know that there is a secondary need that is met at these events: building volunteer bonds across across all generations, genders and such, of like-minded volunteers with a passion to serve. At my first event, I may have shown up as a stranger, but at the end of the day, left with volunteer friends and hugs that will last a lifetime.
We are already planning to meet up as volunteer friends for our next big Habitat event next month!
Thank you Habitat for Humanity Greater Orlando for all you do everyday to serve our community.
You are AWESOME!
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- EIN 59-2789167
- 407-648-4567
- 4116 Silver Star Rd Orlando FL 32808 USA
- http://www.habitat-orlando.org
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Nonprofit Overview
Causes: Homeless & Housing, Housing Development, Construction & Management
Mission: Habitat for Humanity Orlando is dedicated to transforming the lives of low-income, hard working families through the American Dream of homeownership which ultimately strengthens neighborhoods and improves our community.
Programs: Construction of low-income homes for hard working, low income families.
Each family must show a legitimate housing need, be willing to partner and have the necessary income to pay a mortgage. Each home is sold with 20 year, 0% interest loan. Mortgage money is used for further home construction. A single home applicant must complete 300 hours of "sweat equity" or hours working alongside volunteers and other homeowners to build their home. A couple must complete 500 hours. They must also complete 40 hours of classroom time in classes on financial literacy, how to be a good homeowner and financial management.
Homes are built by volunteer labor. Habitat Orlando has an estimated 3,000 volunteers each year. Funding for land and building materials is raised through sponsorships and individual donations.
Habitat Orlando also has a ReStore where we sell donations of new and used product at reduced cost to the public. This revenue helps to cover our operating costs.
We also tithe a home for a home overseas through Habitat for Humanity International. 10% of the money raised for each home goes to build another home abroad.