We’re volunteering this summer for this program. Basically, RVers travel to Habitat build sites and help with construction or renovation. Our project is in Taos, which we’ve visited before. I’m just wondering if any Dopers have done this and what their experience was. Or even a second hand account from someone you know.
That sounds interesting =) I hope it turns out to be something you participate in and enjoy.
Welp, I don’t have any experience but I did work on my church’s expansion some 15 years ago with a similar group. They were some sort of Christian group (or maybe specifically Lutherans) who did as you’re describing, but building churches. I don’t think most of them had construction backgrounds, but some did so they were project managers and the others just learned as they went along. Like a husband would be a manager and his wife would be part of the group so she just learned from experience as they traveled.
It was hard work but they did have a set work schedule, took time off to see the local sights, and they were all super, super nice. And hard workers. I was a 20-something at the time with zero construction experience and I learned skills for life by working with them, and was in awe of their commitment to doing this hard work, away from home, as volunteers. It really made a big impression on me.
I remember the people were pretty worn down by our particular project (it was a big of a mess) but they didn’t have any regrets about signing on to the group and enjoyed every project they worked on.
I think it sounds like a great way to see the country, do good deeds, have a fun new experience and make new friends! Kudos to you!
This sounds awesome. Unfortunately, I can’t offer any relevant experience to share. I would like to sign up for your newsletter, however. Please keep us posted. 
Habitat was started by some religious group, and it is apparently still running the show along with the Carters. People who work on these projects go from no experience (like my wife) to those who had a career in construction (like me). There is apparently an optional “devotional” each morning of holding hands in a circle and muttering incantations. Not my cup of tea, and they don’t care if you participate or not. I will likely opt out of it. It also means that I won’t be a team leader, as that person is supposed to lead the morning ritual, and I gotta draw a line somewhere on that sort of nonsense.
The work “week” is three days, with day(s) off in between. Taos is very small, and we’ve already seen most of it, but I imagine we can entertain ourselves for a few weeks. Most tools are provided, although they expect you to provide your own tape measure, tool pouch, speed square; but they provide and train on power tools, nail guns and the like.
I’ll try to post some experiences once we’re on the site, which won’t be until late April.
I had to provide my own hammer and pencil too! I didn’t stay in an RV. The chapter I worried with would line up volunteers to house the Habitaters for a few days. I stayed with a lovely elderly Swedish couple once and another very nice family. Both were recruited by their church but there was no proselytizing to me. The Swedish couple did say Grace before dinner.
We were also allowed to skip the morning invocation, which every one of my college-age co-volunteers did.
My builds were led by a Habitat staffer with real construction experience. He had a volunteer deputy who was a former manager for a home construction general contractor. Most of the labor was as inexperienced as me. I could usually swing a hammer without hitting my thumb. They assigned people tasks suited to their skills, taught them what they needed to know, and supervised the work appropriately. I was impressed. I hope you enjoy your experience!
I was told I could help with a local Habitat project, even though I have zero skills (to be honest, it’s probably a negative number, where taking me to the first aid tent takes other workers’ time away from the project).
But I was pleasantly surprised!
There was so much unskilled labor to do. A lot of chunks of wood that needed to be carried, a lot of 2x4s that needed to be held against a pencil line while the pros nailed them together… and we were valued partners, no less than the “real” carpenters.
Oh, and no morning incantations. Someone said a quick grace at lunchtime, but by then I was so fulfilled and hungry that I was grace-ful too.
I have never participated in a Habitat build, but I did help open a ReStore in my city, and it’s still going strong more than 15 years later. I no longer volunteer there, but when I did, we regularly had travelers work at volunteers at the store, in addition to people from VISTA and AmeriCorps. We never said grace at any time, except maybe a blessing when the store was dedicated, and we welcomed volunteers (and paid staff) of all religious beliefs, or none at all.
A church I attended in my old town had a family who was approved for a Habitat build (see footnote) and while I didn’t actively participate, many parishioners did, and this also included providing food and beverages for the builders.
(footnote) Fewer than 2% of the people who inquire about a Habitat home end up getting one. One reason is because their financial circumstances improved and/or they moved away, but the most common reason is because so many of them think the houses are free, and they are not.
Go for it! You will meet some of the most wonderful people on earth.
I actually volunteered at the local ReStore until they relocated way over on the east side of town.
Interesting thread.
About 15 years ago, I helped at 3 house builds over 2 years for the Toronto Habitat group as a team leader. (Our kids were still young and not into any sports or activities yet, so lots of free time.)
There was absolutely zero religion that I can recall, not even a grace before lunches. In fact, this thread is the first I’ve ever heard of any religious overtones with the group. We built homes for 2 Hindu families and a Muslim family too.
Maybe every local is different?