Description

Habitat for Humanity builds houses with people in need, and then sells the houses to them. (The web site states rather emphatically that the organization does not "give" houses to anyone or build houses "for" anyone.) Most of the work is done by volunteers (including the future home-owners, who are required to invest several hundred hours themselves). Obviously, that means they need volunteers. While volunteers with building experience and/or professional licensing are welcome, Habitat for Humanity also encourages people who have never done anything like this, but are willing to learn. Besides construction volunteers, they also need office volunteers (if you've ever done any construction, you know there are endless forms to fill out; in that sense, it's not unlike making spaceships), and people who can serve on volunteer committees.

Volunteers are required to have health insurance, and must be at least 14 years old. Volunteers under 18 need to have a parent or guardian sign a waiver, so if you're here as a high school intern and your parents are in another state, you'll need to plan ahead.

Habitat for Humanity does not require that either homeowners or volunteers be Christians, nor is it connected with any specific Christian denomination. However, because (as the websitet states) it "was founded as and unabashedly remains a Christian ministry", you need to be careful not to run afoul of the separation of church and state. If you're volunteering as a private individual, rock on. On the other hand, check with your boss before organizing anything that involves NASA or NASA personnel (including interns). Volunteering with a couple of buddies who just happen to be interns with you is probably fine, but requiring all of the interns in a program that you're running to go as a team-building exercise may not be. This is one time when it's better to get permission than to ask forgiveness.

Keep in mind that any potential legal hurdles can probably be overcome, as long as you play nice and act in good faith. Don't let it stop you from volunteering. Just be aware that you may need to consider legal issues here.

Note: The Stuff Near Ames wiki is not a lawyer. Nothing herein should be construed as legal advice. Even if you are a lawyer, remember that someone who acts as their own attorney has a fool for a client. So just talk to your boss already.

Main Web Site

http://www.habitatsiliconvalley.org/

Incidentally, the last newsletter is the "Holidays 2007" issue, so it's possible some information on the web site may be out of date. Habitat for Humanity Silicon Valley is definitely alive and well, though, so if in doubt, contact them.

Location

513 Valley Way, Milpitas, CA

Drive Time

from Ames (per Google maps): 16 minutes

Public Transit

Hours

The office is open during normal business hours. Construction hours vary.