Volunteer as a Winter Warrior and Warm Your Heart

Calling all Minnesotans! Now that the weather is colder and summer events are over, do you find yourself looking for activities to fill the time? Perhaps you’re a new retiree looking for meaningful ways to spend your time or a student on winter break. Well, you’re in luck! At Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity, winter volunteering opportunities are as bountiful as they are fun.

Though it might get colder, we wanted to give you a sneak peak of our winter volunteering opportunities.

Plus, if you volunteer three or more times this winter (January to March)—or when you volunteer on a designated Winter Warriors day—you earn the title “Winter Warrior.'' You'll also get some awesome swag, like this hat, as a reward! Regular volunteers help our cause immensely. We have opportunities to volunteer at ReStore, as a retiree, with a group, or solo as an opportunity to meet like-minded folks.

What are Winter Warriors, anyway? 

It’s not a stretch to say Minnesotans are a hearty bunch. As our Winter Warriors like to say, "Hope doesn’t take a snow day." To help make it a little easier to lend a hand during winter months, we open up build sites for volunteers on Saturdays (sites are closed Sunday and Monday during the winter). Our Winter Warriors are regular people, just like you, who volunteer three or more times from January to March or on specific Winter Warriors days. 

You should know that just because you are volunteering in the winter doesn’t mean you'll be outside. Some projects are, but most winter volunteering happens inside and will usually be heated. You should still dress for the weather and bring extra clothes, but don’t let the idea of being outside scare you off. For building opportunities, you can expect to do one or more of the following: 

• Add interior trim
• Place flooring
• Install hardware
• Paint interior walls

On nicer days, your team may venture outside to install porches and place siding.

Lots of Sites to Choose From

There are upcoming projects all around the metro, and we could use your help. This winter we will be building homes in each major area of the Twin Cities. We update volunteer opportunities frequently, so keep an eye out for chances to join in. The best part about it all? No experience is necessary.

Women Build

Looking to develop your building skills in a low-pressure, inclusive, and welcoming environment? Join Women Build, where you can learn new skills or add a new tools to your belt. Any woman who wants to help is welcome to join. Volunteers work under the guidance of construction professionals and alongside other volunteers and future Habitat homeowners. There is always something happening with Women Build. Check it out this winter and work toward becoming a Winter Warrior! Women Build is part of our Regular Crews, so you have the opportunity to volunteer with them all year round.

ReStore

If building isn't your thing but you still want to be a Winter Warrior, try volunteering at a ReStore near you! Stay warm while still taking satisfaction in making an impact in your community.  ReStore has two locations in Minneapolis and New Brighton. Volunteers organize merchandise, keep floors clean, handle donations, work the checkout, and more. Regular volunteers at ReStore are especially helpful to our staff. This could be a great way to earn your Winter Warrior status!