Habitat Committees

Committees are vital to the success of Habitat for Humanity-NCR. With a very small staff, the Affiliate depends heavily on the Board of Directors and Committees to help fulfill our mandate. Committees work towards the mission of Habitat by applying their skills or interests in a certain field and spreading the Habitat message to the community.

Volunteers on Habitat Committees are involved through fundraising, special events, faith relations, finances, or communications, depending on the talents they are willing to offer; for instance, we encourage people with financial, banking or accounting backgrounds to consider joining our Finance Committee.

Habitat for Humanity National Capital Region builds both in Quebec and Ontario and looks to fill available committee and other volunteer positions with both French and English volunteers.

Below is a list of our active Committees:

Build
Faith Relations
Communications
Family Partnering
Family Selection
Finance
Fund Development
Land Acquisition
ReStore
Volunteer

Build Committee

MANDATE
The Build Committee shall plan, organize and carry out the construction and renovation of houses on a year round basis in a way that includes prospective homeowners and volunteers

APPOINTMENTS
All members of this committee must serve a minimum of one year to a maximum of four years. Chairs will be approved by the Board of Directors with the length of term reflecting flexibility of rotating chairs, if applicable.

MEMBERSHIP
5 to 12 members, depending on the current need, selected to reflect a diversity of background and experience;
Vice Chairperson
Chairperson

DUTIES OF MEMBERS
The basic duties of the Build Committee members are as follows:

To meet once a month on regular schedule as agreed upon by the committee and at special meetings as requested by the Chair (July, August and December meetings are at the discretion of the Committee;
To identify a Chair for approval of the Board of Directors;
To prepare a yearly budget for presentation to the Board of Directors;
To have minutes of every meeting filed with the Office Administration;
To review and revise standard house plans as necessary;
To present appropriate house plans to the Board of Directors for approval;
Meet with prospective Habitat homeowners to establish architectural plans for their house and a schedule for construction;
Schedule construction in such a way to maximize opportunities for the involvement of prospective homeowners and volunteers;
Provide build orientation and training for prospective Habitat volunteers and homeowners as well as co-ordinate their schedule in conjunction with office staff and the Volunteer Committee;
Identify, organize, and orient building trades for each construction project;
Assist material acquisition volunteer(s) in soliciting donations of building materials;
Supply homeowners with an owner’s manual for repairs and improvements as well as providing ongoing consultation as required;
Approve any home improvements or modifications a homeowner may want to make during the first year of occupancy and/or prior to transfer of title;
Assist in identifying and developing suitable sites for construction;
To solicit bids for sub-contracted labour (a minimum of 2);
Apply for all suitable permits for building;
To complete all phases of construction until final inspection, clear all deficiencies and maintain Habitat for Humanity standing in accordance with Ontario New Home Warranty Program as well as satisfy city or municipal standards;
To provide feedback to the Board of Directors regarding the effectiveness of current policies and procedures;
To train new committee members;
To communicate effectively with the Board of Directors and other committees.

If you would like to be added to the list of volunteers to be contacted when Habitat is looking to fill committee positions please check off this committee on the volunteer application.

If you are having trouble accessing or sending the online application please call 749-9950 e-mail volunteer@habitatncr.com for a printable application form.

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Faith Relations Committee

MANDATE
The mandate of this small group of committed volunteers is to promote Habitat For Humanity as a Christian based housing ministry, rooted in the faith community. Internally, the CRT strives to ensure that there is a faith dimension to all HFH NCR activities. Externally, the team has set an objective of building faith-based sponsorship for 5 homes in 5 years.

MEMBERSHIP

5 to 12 members, depending on the current need, selected to reflect a diversity of background and experience;
Vice Chairperson
Chairperson

DUTIES OF MEMBERS
The basic duties of the Faith Relations Committee members are as follows:

To meet once a month on regular schedule as agreed upon by the committee and at special meetings as requested by the Chair (July, August and December meetings are at the discretion of the Committee;
To identify a Chair for approval of the Board of Directors;
To prepare a yearly budget for presentation to the Board of Directors;
To have minutes of every meeting filed with the Office Administration;
Develop or find a roster of churches in the geographical service area
Determine which churches are already supporting the work of the affiliate
Develop a list of churches to partner with, at a goal of 50% of the roster;
Organize presentation materials and work teams to approach the churches;
Maintain records of contacts made and information given out;
Follow-up with the contacts through the “closing the deal”
Craft partnership agreements when necessary;
Ensure that gratitude and recognition are extended to participating churches;
Secure a minimum of ___ house(s) per year that are adopted by a church;
Secure a minimum of ___ house(s) per year that are adopted by a group of churches;
Coordinate the Build on Faith activities (3rd Sunday in September);
To provide feedback to the Board of Directors regarding the effectiveness of current policies and procedures;
To train new committee members;
To communicate effectively with the Board of Directors and other committees.

If you would like to be added to the list of volunteers to be contacted when Habitat is looking to fill committee positions please check off this committee on the volunteer application.

If you are having trouble accessing or sending the online application please call 749-9950 e-mail volunteer@habitatncr.com for a printable application form.

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Communications Committee

MANDATE
The Communications Committee is responsible for sharing Habitat’s mission with the people living in the geographical service area, and all volunteers. The goal of the committee is to continually seek to raise and maintain the communities awareness of Habitats work in ways the properly reflect the mission, beliefs and image of Habitat for Humanity International. Sharing missions includes educating and informing the public of Habitat principles, polices and procedures in an accurate and responsible manner. Effective sharing of the Habitat mission with the entire community will raise public awareness and ultimately activate more people to be involved in some way, shape or form in the elimination of poverty housing from the face of the earth. It should also assist in leveraging the local resources to address local challenges.

MEMBERSHIP

5 to 12 members, depending on the current need, selected to reflect a diversity of background and experience;
Vice Chairperson
Chairperson

DUTIES OF MEMBERS
The basic duties of the Communications Committee members are as follows:

To meet once a month on regular schedule as agreed upon by the committee and at special meetings as requested by the Chair (July, August and December meetings are at the discretion of the Committee;
To identify a Chair for approval of the Board of Directors;
To prepare a yearly budget for presentation to the Board of Directors;
To have minutes of every meeting filed with the Office Administration;
Work closely with other committees to provide materials such as brochures, fact sheets, and other public education materials;
Schedule and provide media coverage for Habitat events and activities;
Plan and execute public relations events;
To provide feedback to the Board of Directors regarding the effectiveness of current policies and procedures;
To train new committee members;
To communicate effectively with the Board of Directors and other committees;
To deal closely with media and cultivate a good rapport

If you would like to be added to the list of volunteers to be contacted when Habitat is looking to fill committee positions please check off this committee on the volunteer application.

If you are having trouble accessing or sending the online application please call 749-9950 e-mail volunteer@habitatncr.com for a printable application form.

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Family Partnering

MANDATE
To partner with individual families and remain the liaison for a period of one year, or longer, if the family requires continued guidance. The Family Partnering Committee also ensures that financial education occurs prior to occupying their home.
We provide guidance on a regular basis and inform our families of sweat equity opportunities. We also ensure any remaining build issues are addressed and provide a conduit for questions, answers and resolutions of issues.
APPOINTMENTS
All members of this committee must serve a minimum of one year to a maximum of four years. Chairs will be approved by the Board of Directors with the length of term reflecting flexibility of rotating chairs, if applicable.

MEMBERSHIP

5 to 12 members, depending on the current need, selected to reflect a diversity of background and experience;
Vice Chairperson
Chairperson

DUTIES OF MEMBERS
The basic duties of the Family Partnering Committee members are as follows:

To meet once a month on regular schedule as agreed upon by the committee and at special meetings as requested by the Chair (July, August and December meetings are at the discretion of the Committee;
To identify a Chair for approval of the Board of Directors;
To prepare a yearly budget for presentation to the Board of Directors;
To have minutes of every meeting filed with the Office Administration;
To mentor Habitat families on matters concerning finance, home ownership and career counseling;
To provide support and assistance in job searches;
To provide mentoring in child rearing;
To be understanding and open to different cultures;
To refer the families to those who can help if the committee is unable;
To provide feedback to the Board of Directors regarding the effectiveness of current policies and procedures;
To train new committee members;
To communicate effectively with the Board of Directors and other committees.

If you would like to be added to the list of volunteers to be contacted when Habitat is looking to fill committee positions please check off this committee on the volunteer application.

If you are having trouble accessing or sending the online application please call 749-9950 e-mail volunteer@habitatncr.com for a printable application form.

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Family Selection

MANDATE
The mandate of the Family Selection Committee is to carry out the Board of Director’s vision by defining and then selecting families in need of affordable housing for the Board’s final approval. The selection is made from a pool of applicants who are currently living in the National Capital Region and willing to partner with Habitat and support its objectives. The Committee is to develop the processes and policies for selecting those of greatest need. The Committee offers the selected families support during their application and interview period.

MEMBERSHIP

5 to 12 members, depending on the current need, selected to reflect a diversity of background and experience;
Vice Chairperson;
Chairperson

DUTIES OF MEMBERS
The basic duties of the Family Selection Committee members are as follows:

To meet once a month on regular schedule as agreed upon by the committee and at special meetings as requested by the Chair (July, August and December meetings are at the discretion of the Committee;
To identify a Chair for approval of the Board of Directors;
To prepare a yearly budget for presentation to the Board of Directors;
To have minutes of every meeting filed with the Office Administration;
To ensure that all potential families understand the application process, selection process and selection criteria;
To assure the selection process follows the law and uses objective, legal and non-discriminatory selection criteria;
To review and screen applications and conduct initial interviews with applicants;
To notify all applicants of their status within a reasonable amount of time of their submitted application;
To conduct, in teams of two (2), follow-up interviews in applicants’ homes;
To do credit, police, employment and landlord reference checks;
To provide orientation to families regarding Habitat’s policies and expectations in such areas as sweat equity, financial budgeting, legal matters and home maintenance;
To participate in the final selection of partner families;
To report on the status potential candidates to the Board of Directors on a regular basis;
To provide feedback to the Board of Directors regarding the effectiveness of current policies and procedures;
To train new committee members;
To communicate effectively with the Board of Directors and other committees.

If you would like to be added to the list of volunteers to be contacted when Habitat is looking to fill committee positions please check off this committee on the volunteer application.

If you are having trouble accessing or sending the online application please call 749-9950 e-mail volunteer@habitatncr.com for a printable application form.

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Finance

MANDATE
Monitor the financial health of the NCR affiliate and make recommendations, to the board, related to financial management and control as appropriate. The mandate also extends to assisting other committees by providing financial management tools and assistance as required to meet the affiliate’s goals.

APPOINTMENTS

All members of this committee must serve a minimum of one year to a maximum of four years. Chairs will be approved by the Board of Directors with the length of term reflecting flexibility of rotating chairs, if applicable.

MEMBERSHIP

5 to 12 members, depending on the current need, selected to reflect a diversity of background and experience;
Vice Chairperson
Chairperson

DUTIES OF MEMBERS
The basic duties of the Finance Selection Committee members are as follows:

To meet once a month on regular schedule as agreed upon by the committee and at special meetings as requested by the Chair (July, August and December meetings are at the discretion of the Committee;
To identify a Chair for approval of the Board of Directors;
To prepare a yearly budget for presentation to the Board of Directors;
To have minutes of every meeting filed with the Office Administration;
Manage bank accounts and review accounting systems by working with staff bookkeeper;
Monitor deposits, receipts and donations;
Monitor and pay bills, as well as manage cash flow through reports by the bookkeeper;
Develop business policies and procedures for Board approval;
Manage homeowner accounts, review areas and make remedial proposals;
Facilitate legal transactions;
Recommend an auditor;
Report financial status of the affiliate to the Board of Directors on a regular basis;
To provide feedback to the Board of Directors regarding the effectiveness of current policies and procedures;
To train new committee members;
To communicate effectively with the Board of Directors and other committees.

If you would like to be added to the list of volunteers to be contacted when Habitat is looking to fill committee positions please check off this committee on the volunteer application.

If you are having trouble accessing or sending the online application please call 749-9950 e-mail volunteer@habitatncr.com for a printable application form.

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Fund Development

MANDATE
The purpose of the Fundraising Committee is to work in partnership with the Board of Directors and staff to ensure that the fiscal needs of the affiliate are met.To this end, the Fundraising Committee will conduct various fundraising activities including but not limited to, special events, grant proposals, direct mail, major gifts and corporate sponsorship. The means in which the funds are raised shall be above reproach and keeping with Habitat’s fundraising principles.

MEMBERSHIP

5 to 12 members, depending on the current need, selected to reflect a diversity of background and experience;
Vice Chairperson
Chairperson

DUTIES OF MEMBERS
The basic duties of the Fundraising Committee members are as follows:

To meet once a month on regular schedule as agreed upon by the committee and at special meetings as requested by the Chair (July, August and December meetings are at the discretion of the Committee;
To identify a Chair for approval of the Board of Directors;
To prepare a yearly budget for presentation to the Board of Directors;
To have minutes of every meeting filed with the Office Administration;
To work with the treasurer to ensure that processes are in place for donor recognition, Revenue Canada substantiation, and categorized record keeping by source of income and donor;
Set up appropriate sub-committee or work groups to handle efforts with churches, individuals, businesses, financial institutions, fraternal organizations, civic groups, foundations, etc;
Seek a list of in-kind donations desired by the building committee and develop strategies to meet those needs;
Maintain records where contacts have been made to avoid duplication of effort;
To work with materials acquisition volunteer(s) to avoid duplicate efforts;
Plan and carry out special fundraising events and activities;
Report on the effectiveness of each fundraising event to the Board of Directors;
To provide feedback to the Board of Directors regarding the effectiveness of current policies and procedures;
Ensure proper and appropriate recognition of all donors;
To train new committee members;
To communicate effectively with the Board of Directors and other committees

If you would like to be added to the list of volunteers to be contacted when Habitat is looking to fill committee positions please check off this committee on the volunteer application.

If you are having trouble accessing or sending the online application please call 749-9950 e-mail volunteer@habitatncr.com for a printable application form.

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Land Acquisition

MANDATE
The mandate of the Land Acquisition Committee is to maintain an adequate supply of building locations to meet the affiliates strategic plan. The committee seeks opportunities on the open market, through contacts in the development industry, and through contacts public agencies.

MEMBERSHIP

5 to 12 members, depending on the current need, selected to reflect a diversity of background and experience;
Vice Chairperson
Chairperson

DUTIES OF MEMBERS
The basic duties of the Land Acquisition Committee members are as follows:

To meet once a month on regular schedule as agreed upon by the committee and at special meetings as requested by the Chair (July, August and December meetings are at the discretion of the Committee;
To identify a Chair for approval of the Board of Directors;
To prepare a yearly budget for presentation to the Board of Directors;
To have minutes of every meeting filed with the Office Administration;
To examine the affiliates’ geographical service area for appropriate and viable target neighbourhoods/outlying communities in which the affiliate could build/renovate;
To establish and maintain criteria for the evaluation of properties of Habitat and rehabilitation projects;
To constantly monitor the housing market and to be aware of properties that would satisfy the evaluation criteria;
To ensure there is a sufficient bank of usable land for future builds;
To seek the advice of experts, as necessary, to carry out evaluations and studies;
To lobby municipal, regional, and provincial governments to donate land to Habitat, suitable for building or rehabilitation projects;
To establish and maintain contacts with organizations and individuals with knowledge of residential land;
To provide for the maintenance of all acquired sites until construction or renovation begins (ie. lawn care, garbage removal, etc.);
To provide feedback to the Board of Directors regarding the effectiveness of current policies and procedures;
To train new committee members;
To communicate effectively with the Board of Directors and other committees

If you would like to be added to the list of volunteers to be contacted when Habitat is looking to fill committee positions please check off this committee on the volunteer application.

If you are having trouble accessing or sending the online application please call 749-9950 e-mail volunteer@habitatncr.com for a printable application form.

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ReStore

MANDATE
To provide expertise and support the operations of the Habitat for Humanity-NCR ReStore in cooperation with the ReStore Manager and the Executive Director in the areas of retail development and marketing, product acquisition, partnering, volunteer management, events planning, and internal affiliate relations.

RESTORE MISSION STATEMENT
To assist in advancing the goals of Habitat for Humanity-NCR by generating sufficient ReStore profits to support all of the Habitat for Humanity-NCR Home Building Programs.

APPOINTMENTS
All members of this committee must serve a minimum of one year to a maximum of four years. Chairs are recommended, in consultation with the ReStore manager, by the committee for approval by the Board of Directors with the length of term reflecting flexibility of rotating chairs, if applicable.

MEMBERSHIP

The Committee shall have a minimum of 5 voting members and a maximum of 12 voting members.
Vice Chairperson
Chairperson
The ReStore Manager and the Executive Director will sit as ex-officio, non-voting members.
The ReStore Manager will be consulted the appointment of the ReStore Chair.

DUTIES OF MEMBERS
The basic duties of the ReStore Committee members are as follows:

To meet once a month on regular schedule as agreed upon by the committee and at special meetings as requested by the Chair (July, August and December meetings are at the discretion of the Committee;
To identify a Chair for approval of the Board of Directors;
To have minutes of every meeting filed with the Office Administration;
To uphold the ReStore’s Mission Statement and Values;
To develop Policies, Guidelines and Standards, supporting their revision as required;
To assist with the development of key objectives, priorities and goals for the Restore;
To ensure effective communications with other Habitat-NCR committees and ReStore subcommittees;
To raise awareness of the ReStore both internally within the affiliate and within the local and donor communities;
To assist with the yearly review and update of the ReStore Business Plan;
To help develop and maintain key donor, community and governmental relationships;
To regularly assess health and safety practices within the ReStore and recommend, where required, action to be taken to maximize the health and safety of employees, volunteers, donors and customers of the ReStore;
To develop and provide guidance for ReStore Teams in the areas of product procurement, volunteer recruitment and training, health & safety, etc;
The Committee members will be responsible for completing tasks set at each meeting to assist progress of the ReStore’s objectives and goals;
An Action Item list will be generated at each meeting for each Committee member to complete in due course;
Committee Members will be responsible for all of the activities of the Team they lead and will report on these activities at Committee meetings on a regular bases.
To provide feedback to the Board of Directors regarding the effectiveness of current policies and procedures;
To train new committee members;
To communicate effectively with the Board of Directors and other committees.

We have volunteer opportunities in the following areas:

Product Procurement Liaison

If you are having trouble accessing or sending the online application please call 749-9950 e-mail volunteer@habitatncr.com for a printable application form.

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Volunteer

PURPOSE
The Volunteer Committee exists to identify, recruit, orient, utilize, retain and recognize volunteers in order to carry out the ministry of Habitat for Humanity. The Committee focuses on the needs of the volunteer population recognizing that volunteers are the heart and soul of Habitat and ensures that the program is volunteer-friendly and conducive to a rewarding experience to maintain the highest level of participation.

MEMBERSHIP

5 to 12 members, depending on the current need, selected to reflect a diversity of background and experience;
Vice Chairperson
Chairperson

DUTIES OF MEMBERS
The basic duties of the Volunteer Committee members are as follows:

To meet once a month on regular schedule as agreed upon by the committee and at special meetings as requested by the Chair (July, August and December meetings are at the discretion of the Committee;
To identify a Chair for approval of the Board of Directors;
To prepare a yearly budget for presentation to the Board of Directors;
To have minutes of every meeting filed with the Office Administration;
Establish a break down of the pool of volunteers available to the affiliate by group (i.e. corporations, individuals, churches, homeowners, professionals, etc.)
Assign volunteers to all Habitat projects and committees as required, with particular emphasis on placing sufficient volunteers on work projects;
Establish policies and procedures for volunteer recruitment, orientation, placement, training and evaluation;
Communicate regularly with all active volunteers to keep them informed of Habitat projects, events and volunteering opportunities;
Maintain a database of volunteers who have served and those who are interested in volunteering in the future, including their skill level and areas of interest(s);
Work with other committees to develop an annual volunteer recognition program;
Maintain a record of hours volunteered and establish levels;
To provide feedback to the Board of Directors regarding the effectiveness of current policies and procedures;
Develop an annual plan for targeting new volunteers from untapped sources and groups;
To train new committee members;
To communicate effectively with the Board of Directors and other committees.

We have volunteer opportunities in the following areas:

Sorry this committee is not currently looking for members. If you would like to be added to the list of volunteers to be contacted when Habitat is looking to fill committee positions please check off this committee on the volunteer application.

If you are having trouble accessing or sending the online application please call 749-9950 e-mail volunteer@habitatncr.com for a printable application form.

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Habitat Committees

Build Committee

Faith Relations Committee

Communications Committee

Family Partnering

Family Selection

Finance

Fund Development

Land Acquisition

ReStore

Volunteer

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