Student and Youth Groups
Getting young people involved in Habitat’s mission seeks to capture the imagination, energy, and hope of young people in order to productively and responsibly involve them as leaders in the work of Habitat. However, since safety is one of our greatest priorities, volunteers must be at least 16 years old to work on our construction sites. All youth volunteers must fill out a youth waiver signed by a parent to the worksite. But because we welcome everyone in our community to join us in our mission, regardless of age, we invite young supporters to contribute in other ways.
The Benefits of Engaging Student Groups
- Improve communication, cooperation, and camaraderie.
- Foster a sense of community service and volunteerism.
- Strengthen team spirit and morale.
- Interact with people from all walks of life.
- Learn practical construction skills.
Youth United Build
Habitat for Humanity Portland/Metro East is excited to have a project that brings youth ages 5-25 together to fund and build a home. Youth United has already fundraised and built one home in the Portland area and is working on more. Children under 16 years of age have the opportunity to assist in fundraising as well as promoting the project to the community. Older youth and young adults participate in the actual construction of the house, in addition to fundraising and advocacy. The leadership committee consists of high school and college students who are in charge of planning and fundraising.
We are looking for leadership committee members and youth ages 16-25 to volunteer on our construction site, as well as youth 5-15 who are interested in becoming a part of this unique opportunity. For more information, please contact Marianne McClure at marianne@habitatportlandmetro.org or 503-287-9529 x14.
View a short video about Youth United’s Birdhouse Workshop - Birds of a Feather Build Together!
Younger than 16?
Youth younger than 16 are encouraged to get involved with Habitat in other ways such as:
Prepare lunch, or snacks for volunteers
Support Habitat by supporting our volunteers! A hot cup of coffee on a cold morning or a homemade cookie at the end of a long day might be the extra support a volunteer needs to really succeed.
Host a fundraising or education event
Do you have a special talent? Host a dinner theater, music concert, or play at your school or congregation. Proceeds from ticket sales could help purchase a front door or a new roof.
Collection Drives
Collect and recycle to raise funds. Host a tool drive to collect used tools that are no longer put to use. Let us know that you’re interested in holding a collection to support our building efforts, and we’ll provide you with our current Wish List.

