VOLUNTEERS – OUR LIFEBLOOD
“Volunteerism is the voice of the people put into action. These actions shape and mold the present into a future of which we can all be proud.” –Helen Dyer
VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT
We would like to shout from the roof-tops a huge THANK YOU to a volunteer who has spent countless hours helping this organization.
THANK YOU, Nancy Zambell!!
I’m Nancy Zambell, Owner/Broker at Tennessee Mountains Realty Group in Maryville. I’m a recent transplant to this beautiful area, having moved from Fairfield Glade (Cumberland County) in January. I’ve been in the real estate field for more than 15 years, and I love helping buyers and sellers move onto their next adventure!
Additionally, I have been writing investment and financial newsletters, and speaking at national conferences for more than 30 years.
I’ve also written recipe and real estate newspaper columns, and have just begun a new “Real Edvice” column in the Maryville Daily Times.
I love to hike, travel, and cook; and, of course, volunteer in our community. I have been a volunteer with Habitat for Humanity for many years, slinging a hammer at women builds in Putnam, Cumberland, and Blount Counties, and was best known for my baked ziti at the Cumberland County Habitat Lunch on the Lawn!
Habitat is a wonderful organization, helping thousands of families to keep their families safe and secure in their own homes, and I’m proud to be a small part of that effort.
OPPORTUNITIES
New Construction
Our new construction volunteer opportunities are limited at this time as home sponsors have exclusive volunteer days on the homes they sponsor. Occasionally we have “donated” volunteer days when a sponsor is unable to use their day(s). If you are interested in being notified of donated days as they become available, please contact Mona Nair at 865-233-9102 or [email protected]
Home Repair
Our Home Repair Program is looking for qualified Volunteer Crew Leaders! Crew leaders work closely with the Home Repair Project Manager and oversee small groups of day-of volunteers performing home repair projects on occupied houses. If you are interested in getting involved on a regular basis, please see our Volunteer Crew Leader Position Description (click here) for more information.
Home Repair also holds quarterly work days for individuals and groups where volunteers go to local homes that have small or medium repairs that we have pre-screened and approved for Habitat assistance. Volunteers can be skilled or unskilled in doing home repair. Jobs that we accomplish are, painting, siding, roofing, ramps, windows, bathrooms, flooring and more. Each worksite have a trained and skilled leader to guide all work. If you are interested in volunteering please join our interested list or contact our office.
Events/Fundraising
Our Development Department holds several fundraising events each year. If you are interested in volunteering for an event or serving on a fundraising committee, please contact Mona Nair at 865-233-9102 or [email protected]
Programs
Our Programs Department has several areas in which they utilize volunteers:
- Application Assistance Volunteers- We offer help with those wanting to apply for our programs but need guidance on how to complete the application and how to find and provide the supporting documents that are required. These volunteers are trained on applications and supporting documents and meet with potential applicants on an appointment basis. These meetings depended on your schedule of availability. We utilize Application Assistance Volunteer in our Homeownership Program and the Home Repair Program.
- Homebuilder Selection Volunteer- Homebuilder Selection Volunteers do home visits (in pairs) during the application process. They utilize a numeric evaluation system to assess the “Need for Housing” which is a requirement for entrance into our Homeownership Program.
- Family Mentors- This is a very flexible volunteer position where you make time to meet with homebuyers in the Homeownership Program if they have difficult situations going on in their lives and want to be able to talk through their challenges with a mentor. This is on an as needed basis and is set around your schedule and the Homebuyers schedule.
- Financial Mentors- These volunteers have a strong background in personal finances and (following the Habitat financial methods) help our Homebuyers learn and follow the personal finances methods we teach in our program. This happens once a month for 12 months and is scheduled around your schedule and the schedule of the homebuyer.
If you are interested in volunteering under our Programs Department, please contact Rikki Eason at 865-233-9111 or [email protected].
Administrative
BCHFH utilizes volunteers in the office to assist with filing, promoting in the community, projects such as marketing materials and data collection or program information entry. If you are interested in volunteering in an administrative capacity, please contact us at (865) 982-8717
ReStore
The ReStore is a venture of Blount County Habitat for Humanity and supports its mission to provide simple, affordable homes for families in need through the sale of donated items at reduced prices. All proceeds from the ReStore are kept in Blount County and help fund our construction activities. The ReStore also benefits the community by diverting waste from local landfills. In addition, we collaborate with other community agencies to help support their clients’ needs. We are proud to offer clothing and household items at reasonable prices as well as furniture and building materials. The ReStore is blessed with many donations daily, and it takes many volunteers and staff to accept, process, and sell these items. The store is open 7 days a week and can utilize both individual volunteers as well as groups of up to 20 volunteers. Please contact Fred Plummer at 865-379-9299 or [email protected] to schedule a volunteer shift.
Volunteer Meals
BCHFH often has volunteer groups who appreciate a provided meal. If you or your group would like to sign up to provide volunteer meals for 20-30 people, please contact our office at 865-982-8717.
To download and fill out the volunteer registration form and waiver, click here.
