This activity is sponsored by Austin Metropolitan Ministries. This project is seen as an opportunity for building relationships across Austin as representatives from different communities within Austin work together to provide housing for several families. Training workshops are led by AMM for the volunteers who work on the houses. One month each quarter, our church joins other sponsors to host newly homeless families for one week, providing lodging and meals, as well as support and encouragement as they look for jobs and independence. Volunteers from the church also transport bedding between churches, as well as provide child care and other services for the weeklong residents in our church facilities.
Volunteers provide supervision, food, activities and company for the youth overnight.
Habitat is an non-profit housing organization dedicated to eliminating poor housing throughout the world. Applicants who meet certain financial criteria are invited to become participants in building their own home, with area volunteers, on weekends. They are given a no-interest mortgage that is held by Habitat. UBC currently contributes financially to Habitat, and hopes to encourage volunteer work teams in the near future. We sent a total of 127 of three kinds of kits containing school supplies, health supplies and layette items.