Application Workshop Committee Member

Objective:

Potential Atlanta Habitat homeowners are invited to a workshop to learn about our program and complete an application.  Application Workshop Committee Members work directly with attendees to help them through the process.

Outline of Volunteer Responsibilities:

• Answer questions from applicants on qualifications, neighborhoods and the application process
• Assist applicants as needed in completing the application and use a checklist to see if all of the necessary materials have been provided
• Use established screening criteria (calculating and evaluating income, credit worthiness, residency, etc.) to determine if an application can be accepted
• If an application cannot be accepted, tell the applicant how their application can be improved and encourage them to try again

Schedule:

The application workshops are generally held on the third Saturday of each month from 9am-1pm and the fourth Tuesday of each month from 6:30pm-9:00pm.  Additional workshops are scheduled as needed.

Time Commitment:

We ask all Committee Members to commit to working an average of at least one workshop per month, and to serve as a volunteer in this capacity for at least one year.

Training and Support:

• Volunteers must attend a training session on Atlanta Habitat’s homeowner selection requirements
• Volunteers “shadow” a seasoned volunteer at one workshop before screening families on their own
• Atlanta Habitat staff are present at all workshops and available to answer questions and provide support as needed

Qualifications:

• Passion and enthusiasm for Atlanta Habitat’s mission
• Excellent interpersonal skills and comfortable working closely with applicants
• Volunteers must be able to familiarize themselves with the following information and communicate it clearly:
  • Atlanta Habitat guidelines and policies for acceptance
  • The application form and required documents
  • Atlanta Habitat neighborhoods and home features     
• Fluency in Spanish and experience in banking and/or credit are beneficial, but not necessary

Getting Started:

1. Attend an Application Workshop as an observer to see what it is all about, and to better determine if it is something you want to pursue.  Contact Maricarmen Smith-Martinez, Homeowner Selection Manager, to sign-up at 404-223-5180 ext. 124 or maricarmen.smith-martinez@atlantahabitat.org.
2. Attend a training session on Atlanta Habitat’s homeowner selection requirements.  Contact Maricarmen Smith-Martinez to sign-up.  These sessions are generally offered once a quarter.