Self-Help Homes
What is Self-Help Homes?
Self-Help Homes is a program that helps lower-income families afford home ownership through "sweat equity". Each family that qualifies for this program must perform 18 hours of work on their home each week during the duration of construction. Family, friends, and the community come together to help these families achieve another 18 hours of construction on their homes each week throughout the building process. BYU students travel most 1st and 3rd Saturdays (with some exceptions) to building sites throughout Utah County and surrounding counties. We 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!
As the last group of homes were just finished, they are not in need of volunteers until Spring. If you would like to join the email list for updates, contact the program directors by text or at shh@byu.edu by email.
How do I get involved?
Volunteer Description: Volunteers will help participate in the construction of homes and will have the opportunity to utilize both powered and manual hand tools. Volunteers should have proper closed-toed shoes, work or hiking boots are preferred. Gloves and safety glasses will be provided at the work site.
Volunteer Commitment: Volunteers need to sign up to be able to participate in a given week's volunteer trip. Volunteers who sign up should expect a time commitment from 8:20ish - 12:30ish on a Saturday, more information is provided in our weekly emails.
SIGN UP
As the last group of homes were just finished, they are not in need of volunteers until Spring.
Contact the program directors by text or by email at shh@byu.edu to be added to our weekly email list. This email will provide details about when our next volunteer trip is. Due to the limitation in the number of volunteers we can take each week, we have a sign-up sheet sent out the week of a volunteer trip. Email or text us and we will add you to our email list.
Contact Info
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.