Habitat for Humanity East Bay

Student Groups

Student Groups are among our most enthusiastic, hard-working, service-oriented, and selfless supporters. Plus, they're downright fun! We wholeheartedly invite your student group to get involved with Habitat East Bay. Contact us at Volunteer@HabitatEB.org to learn more and to discuss your interest in the following programs.

The Team Building Program

The Team Building Program is an opportunity for your student group, of up to ten members, to work together outside of the classroom to achieve something you have likely never done before - building a home! Through this program, your student group will improve communication, cooperation, and camaraderie; strengthen team spirit and morale; develop an ethic of philanthropy and service; and learn practical construction skills while spending a day on our construction site together.

No construction experience is required, but all volunteers must be at least 16 years old, and two adults must accompany the student group. Habitat East Bay will provide tools, safety equipment, and skilled construction staff to train the volunteers and supervise construction. Read our Construction FAQs for more information about building on the construction site.

The Team Building Program allows student groups to give back to the community in two meaningful ways - by providing both volunteer and fundraising support. Groups fundraise to provide a tax-deductible donation of $500 to fund the purchase of the building materials needed for that day. To fundraise, you may choose to create your own personalized fundraising web page. Email your friends and family to ask for their support; they can contribute pledges online through your web page. You'll be amazed how easy it is to meet, and even exceed, your fundraising goals! Chances are, your family and friends will be honored that you asked, and proud to support your efforts.

Student Clubs and Campus Chapters

You may be interested in starting a Habitat for Humanity club at your school. Starting a club is a great way for students to deepen their involvement with Habitat, develop leadership skills, engage more students in our work, and build comaraderie with other students who share an interest in affordable housing. Student clubs are asked to support our work in several ways, including fundraising, joining our Street Team to outreach to the community, and volunteering on the construction site, at our ReStore, and at special events.

Student Clubs that have been in existence for at least one year, have made significant contributions to Habitat, can demonstrate a strong and committed membership, and have a viable leadership transition plan may apply to become a Campus Chapter. A Campus Chapter is a student-initiated and student-led organization at a high school or college that partners with a local Habitat affiliate to build, fundraise, advocate, and educate. To be recognized as a Habitat for Humanity campus chapter, the group must be chartered by Habitat for Humanity International.

Collegiate Challenge

Interested in spending your Spring Break building homes with other ambitous, service-oriented, like-minded students? Habitat East Bay hosts local and out-of-state student groups each spring to build with us through the Collegiate Challenge program. Build weeks are Tuesdays through Saturday, and we request a full-day commitment from 8:30am until 4pm each day. We provide housing in a local church from Sunday afternoon to the following Saturday morning, skilled supervision, tools, safety equipment, and meaningful construction work. Your evenings are yours to explore one of the most dynamic and beautiful metropoliton communities in the country. The Bay Area blends a stimulating urban environment with the natural beauty of the Pacific Ocean and natural scenic areas. Enjoy visiting Fisherman’s Wharf, Alcatraz, and Golden Gate Park. Bring your hammer, and we'll see you in sunny California!