Congratulations to our 2023 Volunteer of the Year Mary Ann Pawley!
Volunteer at Habitat for Humanity HiawathaLand
Habitat for Humanity HiawathaLand is a volunteer-driven organization. We welcome people from all walks of life to join us as we assist with simple, decent, affordable housing in partnership with God and families in need. Volunteers believe in the Christian concept of lending with no interest and no profit to people in need, to the concept of partnership as opposed to charity and to the value of adequate affordable housing for families in our communities.
Currently our volunteer list consists of numerous individuals & groups who offer their time and talents, waiting to make homes for low- income families in Alger, Luce, Schoolcraft and West Mackinac counties a reality. Though the vast majority of volunteers have no construction experience or building skills, they are involved in most phases of construction. By working side-by-side with the family who lives in the house, our volunteers experience for themselves the joy created when a family is able to realize their dream.
Habitat cherishes all of its volunteers and encourages everyone to become a Habitat volunteer. Skills of all varieties are needed from construction to public speaking to computer skills, project management to committee/team involvement. But most importantly, our volunteers can tell the story of Habitat’s ministry.
Collegiate Challenge
Collegiate Challenge is a year-round program that offers an alternative to school break trips. Participants spend one or more weeks working with a local affiliate, community and partner families to help eliminate poverty housing in the area.
A Collegiate Challenge trip may be the best school break trip you will ever have. Not only do you help people in need — you’ll have fun doing it! You will have the chance to:
- Improve your skills.
- Connect with new people in a new place.
- Put your faith into action.
- Make a real difference in Habitat for Humanity’s work of eliminating substandard housing.
- Make improvements to the Volunteer Center for yourself & future volunteers
By partnering with us, you will have the opportunity to participate in home repair projects and A Brush with Kindness program. ABWK is an exterior home preservation service that offers painting, landscaping, weather stripping and minor repair services for homeowners in need.
Senior Citizens/Retirees
Are you finding that you have a little more free time on your hands than you would like? Or, perhaps you are looking for that rewarding feeling of giving back to your community after many years in the workforce. Please read the article below. We have many opportunities for you at Habitat for Humanity HiawathaLand. Besides working on houses, we have opportunities for you based on your interests. Call us to learn more at 341-7437. http://www.aginginplace.org/how-to-volunteer-as-a-senior/
AARP also offers a program called SCSEP. Individuals who qualify by age & income can work part-time for pay. You choose to work with us and the AARP Foundation will pay you. Anyone 55 or older can find out more information at: https://aarp.org/aarp-foundation/our-work/income/scsep
Why HiawathaLand?
By partnering with HiawathaLand, you will have the opportunity to work in the beautiful
environment of the U.P.!
Additionally, during your free time, you will be able to explore areas of interest such as: Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, Big Spring, Oswalds Bear Ranch, the Great Lakes, many lighthouses, waterfalls, hiking trails, beaches, winter activities & much more!
Mission Trips
HFH HiawathaLand serves 3 ½ counties in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. We offer a unique experience for groups that would like to serve our community for a week at a time. Our mission trips offer groups of up to 25 the opportunity to stay at our Volunteer Center and work on various Habitat and Community projects in Schoolcraft, Alger, Luce, & West Mackinac counties. Mission trip groups are essential to our ministry serving families by providing safe, decent affordable housing.
You can also take a look at our Volunteer Manual for information about costs, what to expect and the Volunteer Center. We accept groups all year round, but our busiest time of year is May to August. We hope you can join us!
Teams and Committees
We have various teams that are always looking for new volunteers!
- Construction & Property Management Team
- Board of Directors
- Finance Team
- Family Selection Team
- Event Committee
- ReStore
Office Skills
Based in our Habitat for Humanity HiawathaLand office, volunteers perform a wide range of administrative tasks in support of Habitat’s business responsibilities. Duties may include filing, preparing mailings, and data entry. Office hours are 9 am to 3 pm, Monday thru Friday.
Events
We have many events throughout the year where we need the help of volunteers. From the planning process to hosting events, volunteers play a vital role in our events. Some of our events are the Annual Luncheon & Live Auction, & Annual Poker Run. Events are a fun and enjoyable way to volunteer!
