My Nonprofit Reviews
aran
Review for Habitat for Humanity Sarasota, Sarasota, FL, USA
I am a regular Saturday volunteer, almost exclusively involved with the Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP). Having years of experience in most phases of construction, I am currently a senior estimator with a major construction company. Over the years I've actually enjoyed working with my hands to help friends with their major home projects. I look forward to my Habitat day as it gives me a chance to use my tools and talents, mostly as a plumber. But I get more out of the experience than I give. There is a huge satisfaction in helping future homeowners up the ladder to home ownership, while improving neighborhoods, and making a difference in our community one home at a time.
Habitat is blessed to have many regular, dedicated volunteers who show up Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. But the project and team leaders are to be especially commended for their dedication and patience in being responsible for projects, while leading a wide spectrum of volunteers some of whom have no construction skills at all.
More Feedback
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
The can do attitude of Habitat leaders has taught me to encourage others to try what they thought was impossible. I now encourage people more, while having more patience with those less experienced. I now understand how many people have helped me in life, even though I may not have realized at the time.
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
Whether building new homes or rehabitating existing ones through the NSP Program there needs to be consistent, standard practices to ensure the homes last and the clients get the best value. This has not always been the case. I have been working with one of the project leaders to develop a checklist to ensure that certain processes are always followed. It's still a work in progress, but I hope Habitat will embrace it and insist that it's leaders follow it's directions.
Would you volunteer for this group again?
Definitely
For the time you spent, how much of an impact did you feel your work or activity had?
A lot
Did the organization use your time wisely?
Very Well
Would you recommend this group to a friend?
Definitely
What one change could this group make that would improve your volunteer experience?
Try to find out ahead of time if a person has any particular construction skills. This information could be on the initial volunteer form and made available to all the project and team leaders.
How did this volunteer experience make you feel?
Greatful for the opportunity to help others with a hands on approach. Anyone can contribute money (which is good) but actually getting physically involved is very rewarding.
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2011
