Volunteers are the heart and soul of Habitat for Humanity (HFH).   The original idea of how HFH would build homes for those in need was based on working with volunteers and that fundamental plan has not changed since HFH started in 1976.
 
Habitat for Humanity Winnipeg was founded in 1987 and through the support of countless Winnipeg volunteers, churches, businesses, and community organizations we will have completed 164 homes in and around Winnipeg by the end of this year.

Currently we use approximately 350 volunteer days to construct one of our homes, this year we built 11 homes and that meant we needed to fill 3850 volunteer days to complete our homes.

Our construction volunteers perform such pre-build activities as shovelling gravel, digging the sump pit, installing the floor joists in the basement and the main floor.  Once the foundation and supports are in we begin the framing portion of our builds―called the Blitz Build.

During the weeklong Blitz Build volunteers and Habitat homeowners work alongside experienced construction leaders to frame the entire house, install roof trusses, and apply sheeting to the walls and roof as well as shingling.  They also install all of the windows and doors, the fascia, soffits, and window wells.  Following the Blitz Build professional trades such as electricians, plumbers, and heating and ventilation contractors will work on the homes.

Once the trades have finished their work and the inspections have taken place, the third phase of construction―the post-build―begins.  Volunteers return to the build site and install insulation, vapour barrier, and drywall. A professional taper will follow behind the volunteer teams and prepare the drywall for paint.  Once the taper has finished his work the volunteers will comeback to paint.

After painting the painting teams have finished, work such as installing cabinetry and flooring is completed by professionals and the home is ready to be dedicated. Our volunteers are welcome to join us as we handover house keys during the home dedication event.  This is a great way to share in the joy of Habitat as families become homeowners and volunteers are able to see the benefits of their donated time.

Our goal for 2009 is to build 17 homes for low-income working families and we will need more than 2000 volunteers to assist with construction. Please note that you do not need to be a skilled in construction to volunteer with Habitat.  We have professionals who are very happy to teach you!

If the prospect of joining with us sounds appealing to you, please contact Linda Peters at lpeters@habitat.mb.ca or
(204) 235-2188.

	Habitat for Humanity Winnipeg now builds to Power Smart Gold Standards. Thank you to Manitoba Hydro for their assistance in reaching this goal.
	Thank you to our 2008 Platinum Home Sponsor.