Self-Help Homes
*THIS PROGRAM IS NOT CURRENTLY RUNNING BUT WILL RESUME IN FALL SEMESTER*
What is Self-Help Homes?
Self-Help Homes is a government-sponsored agency that allows families to save money by building their own houses in a rural community. Neighbors work together to finish the homes, and no one can move in until all the houses in a given project are completed. BYU students travel every Saturday (with a few exceptions) to building sites and gain valuable construction experience while helping these families build their own houses. No previous construction experience is required.
Click here to read about Self-Help Homes as featured in the Daily Universe!
Photos:
How do I get involved?
BECOME A VOLUNTEER
Volunteer Description: Volunteers will participate in the building of homes using various building and gardening equipment.
Volunteer Commitment: Projects are on Saturdays from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM. Meet in front of Jamba Juice in the Wilkinson Center to carpool. Large groups can be arranged with at least a couple of weeks' notice.
Step 1:
Contact the program directors by phone or by email at shh@byu.edu. When the program resumes, there will be a link for the weekly projects on this webpage. Let us know if you'd like to be added to our email list to stay up-to-date with us! Check out our Facebook page!
Step 2:
Please complete this mandatory 25-minute Minor Protection Training before you begin working with this program.
BECOME A LEADER
Volunteer Leader Description: There are two kinds of leadership positions: Executive Director and Program Director. A program only has one Executive Director, but multiple program directors. Leaders are generally responsible for overseeing recruitment, retention, and reflection with volunteers. They also coordinate service with community partners and ensure their program runs smoothly. Volunteer leaders may also share the responsibilities of volunteers as outlined in the Volunteer Description. For more information, visit our section called Be a Leader!
Volunteer Leader Commitment: In addition to volunteering, Volunteer leaders commit to a 1-hour monthly team meeting to discuss needs and make plans for the program.
STEP 1:
Apply to become a leader by completing one of the applications below (if there are no applications, then this program is not accepting leaders at this time):
I've loved being able to meet new people that come out to our program every week. We make so many new friends and make serving a great time! Sometimes the work isn't easy and can be arduous, but the spirit of serving is so strong! We get to work hand-in-hand with families and see their lives blessed! Also, I love construction!
One experience that always comes to my mind was when I was helping build a wall for a garage. I was alongside the father of that family and he was telling me about his job as a 5th-grade teacher. He shared with me his hopes and dreams for his family and thanked me for giving time to help him provide for his family. It touched me to hear of his life and see how we are helping improve the futures of the families.