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:

We ask that all of our individual volunteers first come to an orientation. The volunteer orientation will provide you with an understanding of Atlanta Habitat's program, information on how to get started, and answer any questions you might have. Orientations are offered 2 – 3 times monthly on Wednesday or Thursday evenings and Saturday mornings and last approximately one hour.  
 
To register for an orientation:
 
Go to the volunteer registration website at www.atlantahabitat.volunteerhub.com
Create an account by clicking Register.

• Select a user name and password
• Enter your join code: ORIENTATION
• Input your contact information. 
• Follow the prompts to complete your registration.

 
Please contact Jessica Plante at 404-223-5180 ext. 107 or jessica.plante@atlantahabitat.org if you have any questions about registering for an orientation or if you are unable to view the upcoming orientation schedule.

After attending an orientation, you should 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. Attend a training session on Atlanta Habitat’s homeowner selection requirements. These sessions are generally offered once a quarter.