“The future of this movement lies with the young people.”
– Millard Fuller, founder of Habitat for Humanity International
Habitat for Humanity of Southeastern Connecticut is now engaging in a new program that empowers youth to sponsor and build homes in their community! This program, Youth United, is an initiative for youth to come together to completely fund and build a Habitat home. Youth ages 5 to 25 serve as the leaders, planners, fund-raisers and public relations specialists while youth ages 16 to 25 build the house.The construction of the Youth United house will begin in Fall 2008. Habitat for Humanity of Southeastern Connecticut is currently forming committees to help organize and manage the Youth United program: Fundraising, Public Relations, Volunteer Coordination, and Construction. Youth in the Southeastern Connecticut area are encouraged to join these committees! Among the responsibilities and goals are recruitment of volunteers through outreach, educate the community about Habitat for Humanity and Youth United, coordinate fundraising events, and organize training and workdays for the builders.
Although youth must be 16 or older to help build the Youth United house, there are tons of other ways to get involved with Youth United.
There will be small building projects for youth under 16, overseen by adults and crew leaders, like painting, constructing mailboxes, flowerboxes, and birdhouses, serving lunch and snacks, speaking to others about Youth United, landscaping, cleaning the site or completed house, serving on a committee, and much more!There are lots of opportunities for youth to earn leadership awards and scholarships through community service, and participating in Youth United can help you become an outstanding youth leader! Some of the nationwide awards given include The Congressional Award, The Coca-Cola Sponsorship, The Bonner Scholarship, Do Something BRICK Award, and The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards. Youth United affiliates also give a Youth United Youth Leadership Award to young people who have recruited at least one other youth organization, led a fundraising effort, and served as a crew leader or something equivalent if too young. Being a part of Youth United can offer an opportunity for eligibility for these awards!Both locally and across the nation, Youth United is engaging youth of all ages to be an active part in positively transforming their communities. Through Youth United, participants can:
Make the dream of owning a home come true for a family.
Build a house from start to finish.
Develop leadership, social, and construction skills.
Work with a diverse group and make new friends.
Make a difference in your community.
Catch the spirit! If you, a young person, or a group of young people you know would like to join Youth United and get involved in the community, call Habitat for Humanity of Southeastern Connecticut at 860-442-7890 ext. 215 or email
. We can’t wait to hear from you!
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