The eBuilder
Issue 4, 2008
 Construction Organization and Planning Key to Habitat for Humanity Winnipeg Success
Since 1987, Habitat for Humanity Winnipeg has grown impressively from its roots as a small volunteer-run not-for-profit to a large not-for-profit with organized staff and management. Along with the organizational changes that have occurred over the past 21 years, there are impressive increases in the number of homes that are constructed each year: Eight in 2007, 11 in 2008, and a goal of 15 for 2009.
 In addition to the dedicated staff needed to achieve such incredible increases in construction, a detailed construction schedule needed to be developed to manage massive amount of volunteer labour and supplies needed throughout the build season. By focusing on best practices, HFHW staff has created an effective and efficient method of organizing its build process.
Each major period of construction is carefully charted and assigned a detailed timeline with the number of daily volunteers determined. Periods of construction are called phases and include:
- Phase A which covers the basement and foundation work using Insulate Concrete Forms;
- Phase B which is the prime Blitz Build and involves framing, roofing, siding, window and door installation;
- Phase C covers all the work not finished in the Blitz Build and begins to touch on interior work including insulation and the installation of vapour barrier; and
- Phase D occurs after professional drywallers and tapers have finished their work and will see Habitat volunteers paint the interior of the home as well as move onto sidewalk work and landscaping.
 “To complete 15 homes during our 2009 build season we need to have over 4900 volunteer days covered,” says Linda Peters, HFHWs volunteer coordinator and human resources manager. “We have experienced leadership on each home so anyone 16 or older is welcome to work with us―no experience necessary―but we do offer basic construction classes for those who want to become more familiar with building techniques prior to arriving onsite.”
If you are interested in volunteer opportunities for our upcoming build season, please contact Linda Peters at (204) 235-2188 or email at lpeters@habitat.mb.ca
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