The goal of this VISTA project is to help local Habitat affiliates increase the revenue generated by their Habitat ReStores. This revenue provides sustainable funds to support (and hopefully expand) the affiliate's programs which can include: building or rehabbing homes in partnership with families, home repair programs to help families remain in their homes, and larger-scale neighborhood revitalization efforts.
Individual ReStore VISTA members have projects that cover a wide range of areas: developing formal volunteer programs, creating marketing plans, building relationships with donors, and implementing point of sales systems.
Service Activities
Depending on the specific project goals, ReStore VISTA members: 1) establish new partnerships, 2) recruit volunteers and create a sustainable recruitment plan, 3) develop orientation and training programs, 4) formalize processes and procedures and write operations manuals, 5) organize sales and special events, and 6) research DIY projects utilizing materials in the ReStore.
Community Need Addressed
Lack of affordable homeownership opportunities for lower income families, reusable materials and goods ending up in landfills
Position Outcomes
Increase in funds raised to help build more homes for lower income families and diverting reusable items from landfills
Benefits
Childcare assistance if eligible, Education award upon successful completion of service, Health coverage, Living allowance, Non-competitive eligibility (federal jobs), Relocation allowance (if applicable), Stipend, Student loan forbearance, Training
Skills you will gain
time keeping, project management, team work, program assessment, research, public speaking
Competencies You Will Develop
Communication
Demonstrate sensitivity and empathy, Lead group discussion, Listen to and consider others' viewpoints, Maintain open lines of communication with others, Speak clearly, in precise language and in a logical, organized and coherent manner, Turn taking, Write cleary and effectively
Creativity & Problem Solving
Able to identify and define the problem, Capable of generating possible solutions, Communicate the problem to appropriate personnel, Improvise, Provide relevant expertise, Select and implement well-considered solution
Teamwork
Derive consensus, Develop constructive working relationships and maintain them over time, Establish a high degree of trust and credibility with others, Interact professionally and respectfully with supervisors and co-workers, Stay positive and outcome oriented, Use appropriate strategies and solutions for dealing with conflicts and differences to maintain a smooth workflow
Decisions
Accepts responsibility, Anticipate the consequences of decisions, Identify and prioritize the key issues involved to facilitate the decision making process, Involve people appropriately in decisions that may impact them, Quickly respond with a back-up plan if a decision goes amiss
Tools
Carefully consider which tools or technological solutions are appropriate for a given job, Operate tools and equipment in accordance with established operating procedures, safety standards, and ethical guidelines, Seek opportunities to improve knowledge of tools and technologies that may assist in streamlining work and improving productivity
Planning
Able to prioritize various competing tasks, Create environment of contribution, Create plan of action, schedule tasks so that work is completed on time, Demonstrate the effective allocation of time and resources efficiently, Drive decision making, Facilitate group planning, Set goals
Service
Be pleasant, courteous, professional and respectful when dealing with internal and external customers or clients, Evaluate customer or client satisfaction, Honor the privilege of being able to work with and for those being served, Provide personalized, prompt, and efficient service to meet the requirements, requests and needs of customers, Recognize the importance of maintaining privacy and confidentiality of those being served, Understand and anticipate the needs of others, Understand the importance of one's role in the functioning of the organization, Understand the significance of maintaining a healthful and safe environment