1. Make the Decision
Consider if members and leaders of your organization will support this project and who has the skills and time to lead.

2. Sign the Registration Form and Partnership Agreement
Habitat staff will guide sponsors through the project from beginning to end, from the initial registration process to the dedication of the home after completion. Habitat for Humanity of Evansville and the sponsor will enter into a written agreement that details what will be expected from each other.

3. Organize a Project Team
The Project Team’s responsibility is to guide your project through to completion. Habitat recommends that your Project Team, chaired by the Project Coordinator, include a Volunteer Coordinator, Lunch Crew Leader, Fundraising Coordinator, Crew Leaders and a Publicity Coordinator. These leadership positions will help your group provide an enjoyable building experience for all crew members involved in the project. Click here to see full descriptions of each of these jobs.

4. Raise Funds
Sponsors will need to determine how funds will be raised if they are not already available. The Habitat staff can offer fundraising suggestions if needed.

5. Plan the Project
Homes are typically built in nine to 10 weeks, although some sponsors prefer a two or three-week accelerated build schedule. Some work is done by licensed technicians, but sponsors will need to recruit volunteers from their organizations to work during these weeks. Habitat's regular crew of volunteers will assist the sponsor volunteers to ensure the project is completed on time. Sponsors will also need to plan for snacks and lunches for their volunteers.

6. Schedule Information Sessions  
Habitat for Humanity of Evansville has many resources, including videos, brochures and presentations, that sponsors may use to educate their membership about how Habitat works and how the community benefits from this vital homeownership program. Habitat staff is available to speak to your group to explain more about how this process works. Contact Lydia Johnson, community relations director, at (812) 423-5623, ext. 21, or email her to schedule a speaker.

7. Schedule a Groundbreaking Ceremony
Although a significant amount of organizing is completed beforehand, groundbreaking is a symbolic beginning that can set the momentum for the duration of your build.

8. Build the House

9. Dedicate the House
Habitat staff will work with sponsors to set a time and date to dedicate the home when it is nearly complete. The celebration provides an opportunity to recognize the sponsor and all those who participated on the build and to welcome the homeowner. It includes a house blessing, a bible presentation to the family and sponsor comments.
 
For more information on sponsoring a Habitat home, contact Sr. Jane Michele McClure, development director, at (812) 423-5623, ext. 26, or email her.