Youth United Build of Whatcom County is a program designed for local students in our community who want to make a difference through volunteering. Our program is designed to empower young people ages 5 through 18 and up by helping them learn new skills. Ultimately, every activity contributes to the building of safe, decent, and affordable homes for families and individuals in need. All of our partner homebuyers are extremely grateful for the help they receive from every Youth United Build team.

Every student is assigned a meaningful task. Youth volunteers leave our program with a better understanding of the needs of our community. Along their journey, each student develops greater self-confidence, learns the importance of leadership and sharing, and gains teamwork skills. No amount of support is too small or unwelcome.

All students are expected to help with some fundraising and community education about the Habitat mission. These activities typically include small events like car washes, as well as sponsorships and/or cash pledges to support their teams. Contact the Habitat office at info@hfhwhatcom.org for a list of FUNdraising ideas you’re sure to enjoy. 

Young volunteers bring a special kind of enthusiasm to our work at Habitat. Because Youth United Build teams can be made up of all ages, we’ve planned a wide range of age-appropriate activities. Below is a partial list of activities young people can do in their teams. Every Youth United Build team is free to brainstorm more activities based on their own interests and goals. 

Ages 5 – 13

• suggested tasks: Make welcome baskets for Habitat families; design thank-you notes for Habitat supporters and donors; raise funds and awareness.

Ages 14 – 15

• Help with landscaping, painting and site clean-up; help with cleaning a Habitat home at the end of
  construction, before the official dedication.

Ages 16 – 17

• Work on a build site with hand tools only (under the direction of our Construction Lead).

Ages 18+

• Work on a build site (under the direction of our Construction Lead).

Habitat for Humanity in Whatcom County has built over 52 homes with volunteers and partner families contributing the majority of the labor. Habitat continues to develop net-zero-ready construction plans by using appropriate technology whenever possible, including solar panels, triple-pane windows, LED lighting, air-to-air heat exchange systems, and Energy Star appliances. On average, our homes cost less than $20 per month to heat.

Building is underway on 36 new townhomes on Telegraph Road in Bellingham. With 12 already completed and 4 currently building built. The Telegraph Townhome community has been designed to be a modern connected community close to jobs, schools, and transportation. With a little help, we all have the potential to stand on our own.

If you have any questions email our volunteer coordinator at volunteer@hfhwhatcom.org                       You can also visit us here to sign up to volunteer today.