Committees
Interested in a Committee role with Habitat?
Committees
Your talents, experience, and passion can make a lasting impact on Habitat’s mission—far beyond the construction site. Building homes takes more than just hammers and nails; it requires dedicated efforts behind the scenes.
Join one of our committees and play a vital role in creating affordable housing opportunities
MVHFH committees include:
- Finance
- Family Selection
- Family Advocacy
- Construction
- Development/Fundraising
- and Faith Relations
MVHFH Volunteer Committee Descriptions
Do you believe that all individuals deserve a safe, decent, affordable place to live, and that Habitat for Humanity is the leader in affecting local and global change? Do you have sensitivity to people from all walks of life? Do you have effective communication skills? Do you have construction experience or knowledge of the construction process? Do you enjoy learning new skills and putting them to use?
As a member of a Mon Valley Habitat for Humanity committee, you’ll use these skills and more when constructing new homes and working with our partner families to help them achieve their dream of homeownership.
The MVHFH Finance Committee is responsible for overseeing the affiliate’s financial and administrative activities, including the audit and budget functions. In addition, the committee fosters good stewardship and money management as well as ensuring there are adequate financial resources available and that there is no deficit in spending for programs.
The committee is chaired by the MVHF treasurer, a volunteer position.
Principal responsibilities include:
- Monthly meetings
- Review financial documents, including the budget and regular expenditures
- Create short- and long-term financial goals to ensure the financial health of MVHFH
Construction, rehab and repair work are what Habitat is known for. Construction Committee members plan current and future builds and regularly revie policy issues. Working with the MVHFH Construction Manager, the Committee develops house design guidelines, house plans, construction schedules, and assist in finding volunteers. Construction safety is a priority, too! You’ll work with the Family Selection and Family Advocacy Committees in developing partner family guidelines and requirements and overseeing the progress of partner families in completing their sweat equity requirements.
Principal responsibilities include:
- Monthly meetings
- Visits to the construction site(s) as needed
- Assist in finding volunteers
- Help volunteers and families develop their construction skills
As a non-profit organization, MVHFH counts on financial support from organizations, corporations and individuals in our surrounding communities, particularly those in Marion, Monongalia and Preston Counties. We are able to carry out our mission of eliminating substandard housing and homelessness in the Mon Valley through the generosity of our friends and supporters, whether it’s through donations, special events or other activities designed to raise awareness and funds.
Members of the Fundraising/Development Committee coordinate fundraising campaigns, build and maintain relationships with current and potential donors, plan special events and seek new and unique ways through which to raise awareness and funds.
Principal responsibilities include:
- Meet monthly
- Identify potential fundraising opportunities and develop implementation plans
- Secure donations and in-kind contributions in support of MVHFH programs
Members of the Faith Relations Committee cultivate and maintain relationships with faith-based organizations and groups. Habitat for Humanity is a non-profit ecumenical Christian organization dedicated to eliminating substandard housing and homelessness worldwide, working with people regardless of religious preference or background. We build with people in need and welcome support from individuals who support our mission.
The Faith Relations Committee plans and hosts groundbreaking blessings as construction begins and new home dedications when homes are sold to partner families. Members help recruit faith-based groups to work at construction sites for build days as well as other projects.
Principal responsibilities include:
- Meet monthly
- Develop and maintain contacts with faith-based groups in Mon Valley
- Make presentations to faith-based groups to inform and educate about MVHFH’s programs
Members of the Family Selection Committee review all applications from individuals and families who wish to become homeowners. You’re a critical part of achieving our mission and goals as you help partner families begin their journey towards homeownership.
Those selected for the Partner Family Program must have a need for safe, decent housing, have the ability to take on a 20- or 30-year zero percent interest mortgage with a payment they can afford, and be willing to partner with us by working on their home or that of another Habitat family, otherwise known as “sweat equity.” Committee members review applications and make home visits to determine if a family is a good fit for our program.
Principal responsibilities include:
- Make 2-3 home visits each calendar year
- Communicate with visiting partner before and after visit
- Attend one Annual Training session every year.
- Write meaningful and objective reports
- Attend Family Selection Committee meetings as scheduled
- Actively participate in decision making
Most of our partner families have never owned a home, and members of the Family Advocacy committee support them through the process to becoming a homeowner. In this role, you’ll get to know one of our families well, helping them reach key milestones and celebrate with them when they receive the keys to their very own new home.
Principal responsibilities include
- Regular communication with the family and serve as the communication link between the family and MVHFH
- Ensure the family understands the process: sweat equity expectations, financial requirements, credit checks,
- Remind the family of the importance of earning their sweat equity hours
- Answer questions about the program – including the Letter of Intent and attend the Letter of Intent signing
Board Commitment Information
Time: The Board of Directors regularly meets once every other month for approximately 2 hours beginning at 6:30 pm, or a time determined by the Board. Annual events include: Shooters for Shelter – June/July; Raise the Roof – September; Affiliate Christmas Party – December; House ground-breaking and dedication ceremonies; Dine to Donate events.
Committees: All directors are required to serve on one (or more) of the Committees listed above. Committee member/representative appointments are made by the board president or the committee chair. Committee meeting dates and times vary.
Financial: Donors expect and some grantors require 100 percent of the Board of Directors to make a financial contribution to Mon Valley Habitat for Humanity. All directors are required to financially support Mon Valley Habitat for Humanity, as they are able.