Get Involved : Volunteer Orientation

Thank you for taking the time to learn more about Habitat for Humanity. Internationally, Habitat is one of the largest, if not the largest, home builder in the world. As a Habitat volunteer you provide the hands and the heart to make an important contributionin the Spartanburg community, while enjoying the rewarding feeling of personal fulfillment.

Introduction to Habitat for Humanity

Founded in 1976 by Millard Fuller, Habitat for Humanity is a non-profit, ecumenical, Christian ministry that builds houses for low-income families. The families help build their home, contributing "sweat equity" which becomes the down payment. At time of close, the new Habitat homeowner assumes a no interest mortgage to purchase the property.

We invite everyone, regardless of background, race, or religion to partner with us locally, nationally and internationally, to alleviate homelessness and sub-standard housing.

Habitat for Humanity International is located in 92 countries around the world and in all 50 states of the USA. Habitat has built more than 350,000 houses around the world providing shelter for more than 1.75 million people in more than 3,000 communities. On average, every 20 seconds a family moves into a Habitat home somewhere in the world.

Worldwide there is a tremendous need for Habitat homes. Over 2 billion people are living in poverty housing and this number is expected to double by 2030. Millions more have no home at all. In the United States, more than 5,000,000 families are forced to pay more than ½ of their monthly income for housing, and live in poor conditions. While the number of families in poverty is growing, the number of affordable rental units is shrinking.

It is known that poverty causes immediate and lasting harm, particularly for children. Children who grow up in poverty housing are more likely to:

Lack adequate food and clothing
Live in sub-standard housing
Lack basic health care
Do poorly in school

In Spartanburg County approximately 25% of the population does not have decent housing. In addition, there are over 300 unsound dwellings with over 1,500 people trying to live in them. An unsound dwelling is housing that is physically unsafe and likely to be dangerous to its occupants. These substandard housing conditions give rise to a number of health, family, and societal problems such as lead poisoning, overcrowding, and lack of heat, air conditioning, or safety.

The vision of Habitat for Humanity of Spartanburg is "a community with no substandard housing." To accomplish the goal, Habitat raises money, finds volunteers and builds houses that are then sold to Spartanburg families in need. The families we work with have steady jobs, but too much of their income is used for rent and any unforeseen expenses are overwhelming to their monthly budget.

The goal of Habitat for Humanity of Spartanburg is "to eliminate poverty housing and homelessness, and to make decent housing a matter of conscience in our community."

History of Habitat for Humanity of Spartanburg

There was clear recognition in Spartanburg of the problem of substandard housing. Following a number of months of discussion by interested members of the community, Habitat for Humanity of Spartanburg (HFHS) was officially incorporated on July 21, 1987. The new organization had no independent location, instead using Westminster Presbyterian Church for its mailing address. Meetings took place at various churches in Spartanburg.

The fledgling organization recruited participants and undertook modest funding. By the start of 1988, HFHS was on its way to building its first house, located on Celestial Street. The momentum increased when two additional lots were obtained on Celestial Street near the corner of Winsmith Ave. The community continued to grow and 17 Habitat homes are now located on Celestial and Winsmith Avenues.

With the help of a number of Spartanburg churches, as well as volunteers and donors from throughout the community, HFHS neared completion of about a dozen homes in the Celestial Street area by 1994. It was then time to begin looking for a second neighborhood. Habitat was offered enough land in Una for construction of approximately 20 homes. Ultimately 47 homes were constructed in the Una community.

The organization continued to grow. In 1997 HFHS took a major step, solidifying an ongoing funding stream by opening its own thrift store. In 2006 larger facilities were needed. The office and store, currently known as ReStore, were moved to the current location at 2270 South Pine Street.

Most recently HFHS has constructed a 12 home community in the West Henry Street / Highland Avenue area of Spartanburg. This community was completed in December 2009, when the the last two homes were occupied by new homeowners.

In total, HFHS has constructed 85 homes in the Spartanburg area. The homes are approximately 1,200 square feet in size with 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. The completed home is sold for approximately $65,000 and the homeowner assumes an interest free, 20-year mortgage. The homeowners' mortgage payments are reinvested in the construction of other homes.

Selecting a Family to Become a Homeowner

Any family in need of decent shelter can apply for a Habitat home. The Selection Committee chooses homeowners based on their level of need, their willingness to become partners in the program and on their ability to repay the loan.

There are three criteria that each applicant family must meet:

There must be a demonstrated need. These reasons include; overcrowded conditions, poorly maintained housing, substandard conditions, a dangerous neighborhood, or cost burdened.
The applicant must have an income and the ability to pay a mortgage. Based on family size their income must fall between minimum and maximum guidelines.
The family must be willing to partner with Habitat. Each applicant family must donate 400 hours of "sweat equity" which becomes the down payment on the home.

The selection process is completely non-discriminatory. Neither race, nor religion are factors in choosing the families who receive a Habitat home.

Volunteer Safety

The safety of our volunteers is of prime importance at Habitat. Prior to the start of work each day a Habitat construction representative will give a short safety talk that will relate to the tasks to be performed that day.

Volunteers are reminded that the construction site has inherent hazards that must be monitored and controlled. Examples include the use of ladders, power tools and elevated work spaces. Habitat makes a concerted effort to ensure equipment is properly maintained and appropriate guards in place over floor openings and elevated platforms. As a volunteer, it is your responsibility to notify a Habitat representative of any unsafe condition that you might identify. Additionally, you will not be expected to perform any task for which you have not been properly trained or for which you feel uncomfortable doing.

Volunteers must be at least 16 years of age to work on a construction site. A parent or guardian signature is needed on the Wavier of Liability for all 16 and 17 year old volunteers. Volunteers under 18 years of age cannot use power tools, work on the roof or work from a height above four (4) feet. Volunteers under 18 years of age must be accompanied by a responsible adult when they volunteer.

Each Habitat volunteer is encouraged to take a short Online Safety Course to familiarize themselves with a typical day at a Habitat construction site and potential hazards encountered at the worksite.

When the Lezage Training Center Online Safety Course website opens, paste Access Code W8NAEBTG into the box and Submit.
Click on the course entitled "Volunteering on a Habitat for Humanity Jobsite". The course will last about 15 minutes and consists of an online presentation followed by a short (optional) quiz.

I'M READY TO VOLUNTEER!!