Q: What is Habitat Angel?
A: Habitat Angel is a standalone organization that brings together partners within the community to restore neighborhoods through collaboration. It is run entirely by volunteers and is funded exclusively with donations.
Q: How does Habitat Angel work?
A: Each year, a neighborhood within Martin County is selected for restoration. Habitat Angel partners with churches, schools and civic groups to gather the resources to repair and rejuvenate homes, buildings and ultimately people’s lives. Over an eight month timeline, Habitat Angel identifies the neighborhood, selects the homesteads, solicits the materials and funds needed, organizes the labor and rallies the volunteers that culminate in the Extreme Makeover Event.
Q: How does Habitat Angel select a neighborhood?
A: The Habitat Angel Board of Directors selects a Martin County neighborhood in need of restoration. The annual selection is based on strong relationships already established within the community, the number of homesteaded homes in need of restoration and the commitment of community members.
Q: How does Habitat Angel chose a project?
A: Homes selected for restoration by Habitat Angel must be homesteaded and owned by the residents. Owners are required to attend neighborhood meetings and provide sweat equity before, during and after the Extreme Martin Makeover.
Q: How can I get Habitat Angel to work in my neighborhood?
A: Projects are selected in the summer prior to each Extreme Martin Makeover event. Interested neighborhoods should submit a written request to the Habitat Angel Board of Directors detailing the needs of the neighborhood and suggested revitalization projects, the strength of the neighborhood’s commitment and examples of community relationships. The request must also provide the number of the homesteaded homes and list the home owners’ names.
Q: How are the projects financed?
A: Habitat Angel is funded through grants and private donations, both cash and in-kind. Habitat Angel is run entirely by volunteers and does not employ paid staff. Habitat Angel relies upon community support and the generous donations of our sponsors.
Q: How can I become a donor?
A: Habitat Angel accepts cash and in-kind donations. Financial donations can be submitted on-line through the Habitat Angel website or by mailing a check to:
Habitat Angel
PO Box 601
Palm City, FL 34991
If you are able to assist with in-kind donations such as building, painting or cleaning supplies, food or water for volunteers, t-shirts or other suitable items, please call 772-678-0357 to arrange pick up.
Q: How do I receive a tax deduction for my donation?
A: All donations are recognized with a letter from Habitat Angel that will document the amount, type and value of the donation. The letter will serve as documentation for tax purposes.
Q: How can I become a partner organization?
A: Habitat Angel partners with churches, government agencies and non-profit organizations that are willing to be active participants in all phases of the Extreme Martin Makeover event. Partnering organizations work together for the entire eight month planning period and are integral to the planning, organization and execution of the Indiantown Extreme Martin Makeover. Partners provide funding, volunteer labor and administrative expertise. A partnering organization must be able to:
- Commit to sponsoring the revitalization of at least 3 neighborhood projects. A sponsor provides financial support, work coordination and needed labor.
- Commit to completing the assigned rehab project in its entirety.
- Provide enough volunteer labor needed to complete assigned projects. Skilled volunteers are available as needed to provide direction, but partnering organization must commit to providing the workers.
- Provide donations of cash or in-kind items.
Partners are recognized on the Habitat Angel website and on the back of the Extreme Martin Makeover t-shirt which is distributed to volunteers.
Q: How can I become a volunteer?
A: We value all volunteers and recognize your time is a valuable commodity. The Extreme Martin Makeover could not become a reality without our volunteers! We need you! Habitat Angel partners with churches, civic groups, government agencies, non-profit organizations and a whole variety of individuals to supply the volunteer workers needed to revitalize the neighborhood. If you already belong to a partnering organization (check the PARTNER & DONOR tab), you should coordinate your volunteer registration through the organization’s Team Captain. Registration forms can be downloaded from the Habitat Angel website found under the VOLUNTEER tab. Complete the form and submit it to your organization’s team Captain.
If you do not belong to a partnering organization, we still need you! Download the registration form. Submit the completed form and bring with you to the registration desk.
Q: I don’t belong to a church or other organization, can I still participate?
A: Absolutely! We need you! Download the registration form. Submit the completed form and bring with you to the registration desk.
Q: I don’t live in Martin County, can I still help?
A: Absolutely! We need you! Download the registration form. Submit the completed form and bring with you to the registration desk.
Q: Can I get community service credit for working with Habitat Angel?
A: Community Service Credit is granted for volunteers willing to work 4 or more hours at one time. You must bring your Community Service Credit form with you when you check in and have your check-in time verified at the registration table. When you complete your volunteer time, you must sign back out and are responsible for having your hours documented. Community Service hours may only be documented on the day they are earned. You are responsible for providing the appropriate form and documenting your sign-in and sign-out times through the registration table.
Q: How old (or young) are volunteers?
A: You must be between the ages of 13 and 99 to participate in the Extreme Martin Makeover work days. It is not suitable for youth younger than 13 to participate due to the physical nature of the work.
Q: Are there physical qualifications to be a volunteer?
A: Volunteers should be in good health and able to stand for extended periods. Volunteers should expect to work outside, be able to paint and pick up trash. Capable volunteers may be asked to assist with additional light construction.
Q: Do I have to work the whole day?
A: The Extreme Martin Makeover work days are usually from 8 am to 1 pm, and due to the nature of project, please plan on attending for the full time period. Work assignments are made with the intent that volunteers will fully participate and it may not be possible to complete a project if volunteers are unable to work for their allotted time. Remember, if you volunteer, people are counting on you!
Q: What kinds of things can I expect to do during an Extreme Martin Makeover work day?
A: The work days occur in the selected neighborhoods and are done outside. Activities include but are not limited to: picking up trash, minor house repairs, priming surfaces for painting and painting houses, landscaping and gardening, planting trees and laying sod. Some volunteers assist with administrative and organizational tasks like manning registration tables and delivering supplies to worksite locations. Other volunteers assist with preparing and serving refreshments for the volunteer workers.
Q: Can I pick the volunteer job I want?
A: You should indicate on the registration form if there are activities that you are not able to participate in. Organizers will attempt to honor your request whenever possible.
Q: I want to help but I have another commitment on the day of the Extreme Martin Makeover. What other volunteer opportunities does Habitat Angel offer?
A: Habitat Angel welcomes volunteers prior to the Extreme Martin Makeover. Habitat Angel is organizing additional work days to prepare for the big event. These days will involve general neighborhood clean-up, landscaping, home repair and paint priming. To volunteer for these work days, download the registration form from the website. Complete the form with the dates and times you can assist and call (772) 678-0357 to find out more information.
Additional volunteer opportunities are available prior for individuals who are willing to commit to a long term assignment. We need help making phone calls, assisting with correspondence and office management, processing inventory, etc. For information on how you can match your skills to Habitat Angel’s needs, call (772) 678-0357.
Q: How can I start a Habitat Angel in my county?
A: Call (772) 678-0357 and request information.