Hammering in the Hills
In case you haven't heard by now, our great Castle Hills community is partnering with Habitat for Humanity and The Ridge Church to build two homes in South Dallas this fall. I hope you're ready to roll up your sleeves to help! Many of you have already contacted me and expressed an interest so now's your chance to sign up. We're going to need hundreds of volunteers-30 volunteers per house for 8 Saturdays. This will be a rewarding and incredible experience and I hope you won't miss it! The building dates are shown below and I'm ready to add you to the schedule as a volunteer.
BUILDING SCHEDULE
On September 27 our project will kick-off with the building of two walls right here in Castle Hills. Everyone is invited to bring family and friends! The walls will be transported to the actual home sites after our celebration. Volunteers are already assigned for this event. Watch the Gatekeeper and community wiki for more information.
Volunteers are needed for these 8 Saturdays: 10/4, 10/11, 10/18, 10/25, 11/1, 11/8, 11/15, 11/22
How Do I Sign Up?
Call me or email me (preferred) with the following information for each volunteer you wish to schedule:
1 volunteer date(s)
1) name (include ages if under 18-see FAQ for restrictions)
2) phone number
3) email address
4) names and ages of children who need childcare (see FAQ for restrictions)
You will receive confirmation via email of your scheduled date(s).
FAQs
Q: Do I need to make a donation to volunteer?
A: This project can't succeed without your time, talent AND treasure. Per Habitat policy, all volunteers are required to make a donation. Please go to the CH wiki at www.castlehillscommunity.com and make your donation today!
Q: Is there a limit on how many Saturdays I can volunteer?
A: You can volunteer for as many Saturdays as you wish.
Q: What are the hours and can I work a partial shift?
A: Each Saturday we'll begin at 8am and end between 4-5:00pm. We ask that you commit to a full work day to help streamline our scheduling process.
Q: Are children allowed on the build sites?
A: Due to safety reasons and Habitat policy, children under the age of 15 are not allowed on the build sites. If you want to involve your kids age 15 and over in the build, please make sure they will be willing and able to work hard (max. of two 15-17 year olds per site will be allowed).
Q: Will childcare be provided?
A: A wonderful group of moms from CH will organize childcare needs for children age 3 and up (must be potty trained). They'll involve the kids in various projects for the homes like Christmas ornaments, artwork, etc. They really need the help of our community teens to pull this off. Contact Cindy Alivernia at for more info about childcare or volunteering to help her team.
Q: Do I need building experience?
A: No experience is needed!
Q: How can a house be built in 8 weeks?
A: Habitat provides professional electricians, plumbers, etc. who will be working diligently during the week days while we're off site. A construction supervisor will also be on site at all times to provide instructions and ensure all safety precautions are being taken.
Q: Do I have to bring my own tools?
A: Habitat will provide all the needed tools. You may bring your own tool belt if you wish.
Q: Where are the homes located?
A: The two homes will be built side-by-side in the Joppa neighborhood of South Dallas. Several other Habitat homes have already been built there by other groups. Click here for directions [to add link to map]
Q: Do you have to be a CH resident to volunteer?
A: No, we'll take any volunteer from anywhere! We can also schedule groups if you want to gather up your family, friends, coworkers, etc.
Q: What if I need to cancel or reschedule a date for which I've signed up?
A: If you sign up, please make sure you will be able to commit to it. If you must cancel or reschedule, please contact me as far in advance as possible so I have time to backfill you.
Q: When will the new owners move in?
A: A ceremony will be held on December 6 at which time the keys will be provided to the new owners. Children will be permitted to attend this ceremony. More info on this event will be available at a later date.
Please don't hesitate to contact me for more information!
Kathleen Orr
Volunteer Coordinator
