Youth United mobilizes young people, ages 5 to 25, to fully fund and build a house with their local Habitat for Humanity affiliate. Supported by the local affiliate, Youth United brings young people, including Habitat homeowner youth, together from throughout a community to sponsor and build a Habitat home. Students learn leadership and teamwork skills, and gain a better understanding of their community and poverty housing. All students are engaged in fund raising, education and advocacy activities, while those over 16 help with the actual house construction.
The four goals of Youth United are to:
Communities throughout the country are planning their Youth United projects. Join the excitement! To get involved:
• Check our list of participating affiliates to find out if your affiliate has a Youth United group. If they are a participating affiliate, call or e-mail your local affiliate to get involved.
• If your affiliate doesn’t have a Youth United group, contact your local affiliate to discuss starting one. You can also contact the Youth United coordinators for more information, starter tools, and ideas for establishing a Youth United group with your local affiliate. Check out the Getting Started with Youth United guide for more information.
How does Youth United work? Youth United is an initiative run by youth for youth. The overall goal of Youth United is to involve youth in a meaningful way to fully fund and build a Habitat house.
A Youth United steering committee is the core of this great program. The group is usually made up of high school- and college-aged youth who work closely together to develop a strong Youth United project. Ideally, the steering committee would oversee all fund raising, recruitment, advocacy and outreach, with the help of an adviser. A Youth United steering committee is made up of a chair, co-chair, secretary, treasurer, and committee chair people. An adult adviser provides direct support to the Youth United steering committee members by sharing vital information about Youth United, overseeing over all projects and events, and providing leadership. How do Youth United groups raise the money to build a house? Youth United groups across the nation are doing a remarkable a job creating ways to raise funds to sponsor a house. There are several different ways to raise money for a Habitat house, from running a car wash to youth writing grant applications. Youth United is fortunate to have the sponsorship of the Argosy Foundation and State Farm, who provide grants to many Youth United projects and other Habitat youth programs. How can youth under 16 participate in Youth United? Youth under the age 16 can participate in fund raising, advocating, outreach, event planning and more. Youth United will not allow youth under 16 to be present on the build site while construction is taking place. This is strictly enforced to prevent any unforeseen injuries or mishaps. Youth under the ages of 16 can paint, landscape and stock cabinets when there is no active construction work taking place on the build site. What role can individual youth take on? Everyone involved with Youth United has the opportunity to become a leader. You determine how much you invest into the program!
Youth United Membership: This position is best suited for individuals who want to be involved with Youth United but are not ready to take on a leadership role. Members help build a Youth United house, assist with fundraisers and attend Youth United meetings.
Sub-Committee Member: Member assists the sub-committee chairperson and other sub-committee members in the planning and coordination of various projects. Also attends monthly general meetings and any necessary committee meetings.
Steering Committee Member: For individuals who would like to be more involved with planning of events and are willing to make the time commitment necessary to fulfill the requirement of the positions. We also ask that each individual make at least six months to a year commitment to leadership positions to ensure positive growth within the Youth United project.
If you want to learn more, contact us now!
