Kids ages 5-14, or “Little Builders,” can take part in fun activities that teach kids the importance of giving back.
Individuals 14 and up are eligible to volunteer at our A Brush with Kindness (BWK) project sites.
Individuals 16 and up can also volunteer on construction and preservation sites.
Groups of volunteers under 18 just need a 1:5 “chaperone to volunteer” ratio (and those under 18 must have a waiver to participate).
Little Builders (ages 5–14)
If your child is too young to build on site, they can be a Little Builder! We have multiple activities for children between the ages of five and fourteen that teach them the importance of donating their time and money to causes they care about, and the feeling of giving back to their communities. Kids can also use their voice and take action on our advocacy page.
Nickels for Nails – Kids learn that even the smallest contribution of spare change can make a big difference in their community. Students can hunt for change, learn to crowdsource from friends and family or even open a lemonade stand to donate their profits.
Paper Houses – The Paper House Campaign shows kids how easy and fun advocacy can be! Kids print, color and decorate paper house petitions. A parents or teacher then mails them to local elected officials, urging them to support affordable housing and hard-working families.
Habi-Snackers – Kids put together care packages with snacks and craft hand-written thank you notes for volunteers working on site.
Habitat Readers – The Habitat Readers are a 4-part collection of illustrated books promoting Habitat for Humanity’s world-wide mission for decent shelter. Through reading, children will learn to empathize with other children across the world and understand the importance of home.
For more information about Little Builders activities, please email volunteer@habitatnyc.org.
Campus Chapters
In high school or college? There’s a lot you can do to support our mission from your school or university. Campus chapters and school clubs educate their communities about the need for affordable housing. Your chapter will be officially affiliated with Habitat NYC, receive yearlong support from our Volunteer Services team, and be given priority in the projects we take on.
Contact klewis@habitatnyc.org to learn about starting a club or chapter at your school.
Campus Chapter Benefits
- At least one group volunteer opportunity per semester
- Access to staff and family partner speakers for Campus Chapter events
- Priority registration for special volunteer recognition events
- Invitation to the annual High School Chapters and College Chapters Build Days
- Access to Habitat NYC online fundraising tools