What's the purpose of Winter Warriors?
Just because there’s snow on the ground doesn’t mean there isn’t still work to be done. We work all year round because the need for affordable housing doesn’t go down when the temperature does. To keep progress moving forward on our current projects we are offering you the chance to earn Habitat branded gear when you come out to volunteer multiple days between now and the end of March.
We’re also working extra hard to raise $10,000 for a new heating system for the next home we build. By giving a little now, you can help a local family save a lot down the line. If you donate $25 when you sign up to volunteer, you can help keep a family warm for generations to come.
How does Winter Warriors work?
Sign up to volunteer as much as you can using our
online volunteer portal. Every time you come out to volunteer, you’ll get a Habitat Chicago sticker to show others that you truly are a winter warrior. If you come out twice we’ll give you a habitat Chicago mug to drink your favorite warm beverage in the heart of winter. Four times and you’ll earn a long-sleeve Habitat t-shirt to help you stay warm.
If you’re interested in bringing a group,
send us an email! We will help you set a date, create a fundraising goal and work with you to make sure that you are successful.
Why are we fundraising in addition to building?
Fundraising helps ensure that the work you do on the construction site is sustainable for years to come. By helping us fund the purchase of a new HVAC system for the next home we build, you are making a promise to a local family that they will be able to affordably heat their home for years to come. If everyone does their part, we’ll make it to $10,000 in no time!
Do I have to volunteer AND fundraise to participate in Winter Warriors?
If you're coming out as individual, the technical answer is no: you can select to volunteer, fundraise, or both.
However, to make the greatest impact for Chicago families and to have the most meaningful experience, we encourage you to take on both volunteering and fundraising.
If you have a team, you can fundraise without volunteering, but cannot volunteer without fundraising (due to limited site capacity).
Contact our volunteer team for more info and to get your team going!
Visit our Volunteer and Fundraising FAQ sections for further info.
What does a volunteer day look like with Habitat?
Volunteer day activities can include anything it takes to build a home from start to finish. Typical volunteer activities include: framing, siding, painting, roofing, laying flooring, hanging doors or windows, trim work, finishing, landscaping, and cleaning. We mean it when we say – every single task is critical for the success of our mission.
Here's the plan for the day:
7:45am: Arrive on site ready to go! We'll get you all checked in.
8:00am: Morning orientation and project assignment
8:15am: Construction time!
11:30am: Lunch
2:00pm: More construction!
2:30pm: Clean-up
3:00pm: Wrap-up and departure!
Toilets, water and first aid will be on site at all times. You'll work in project teams under the supervision of our construction leadership. During lunch you will get a chance to relax and talk with the team. Afterwards you'll return to a project team and finish out the day. We'll start cleaning up the site before 3 and send you on your way!
Do I need any construction experience to volunteer?
No! You only need a good attitude; our construction leadership on site will help with the rest.
Where is the volunteer construction site?
Our current build sites are the West Pullman neighborhood on the South Side. Project locations can be found on our
volunteer calendar and once you register, we'll get GPS directions your way, too!
Do I need to bring my own tools?
No! We'll provide all materials on site. Some people choose to bring their own tool belt for comfort, but please be sure to clearly label any personal tools/equipment you bring to site.
What should I wear to volunteer?
Layers! We build both inside and outside depending on the day, regardless of weather conditions. Come prepared with warm shoes (hard-soled bots preferable), warm pants you don't mind getting dirty, sweatshirt and jacket. Remember, you can always take layers off but you can't put on an extra sweater you didn't bring!
Visual learner?
We have a graphic for that.
How do I sign up to volunteer?
All volunteers must register online in advance to volunteer. You can view our upcoming build days and register
here on our online calendar.
If you'd like to get a group involved, please contact volunteer@habitatchicago.org.
Is there a minimum number of days required to volunteer?
Nope! But we'd of course love to have you out as much as possible, so we're offering
some sweet prizes as incentives to come out more and more and more.
Where can I learn more about volunteering?
You can learn more
here on the Habitat Chicago website or by contacting our
volunteer team.
What are we fundraising for? Where does the money go?
Fundraising helps ensure that the work you do on the construction site is sustainable for years to come. By helping us fund the purchase of a new HVAC system for the next home we build, you are making a promise to a local family that they will be able to affordably heat their home for years to come. If everyone does their part, we’ll make it to $10,000 in no time!
How do I get started fundraising?
Step 1: Click the register button on the top of the page button and complete the registration form. Once you create your page, we'll email you next steps and a
user guide to take things from there. And don't you worry - Habitat Chicago will be here to help every step of the way.
If you'd like to get a group involved, things look a bit different. Please
contact our volunteer team to get started!
Is there a minimum amount I'm required to fundraise?
We worked with your team captain to come up with a fundraising goal that is appropriate for your group.
If you’re coming out on your own, we’d love it if you could contribute $25 towards our goal. Others love helping a good cause, though! Share your fundraising page with friends and family and see if you can hit $100!
How do I edit my personal fundraising page after it's been created?
Editing your page is a breeze! On your "My HQ" page click on the “view my page” button in the left hand column, under “Hi, [Your Name]”. To edit the blurb at the top of your page, click the small “edit” button at the top. To edit your page photo, click “photo” under “edit my info”. To change your overall fundraising goal, please hit “goal” under “edit my info”
Be sure to consult our handy
user guide, too!
What can I do if a check is written out to me personally?
If a donation check has been written out to you personally, you may endorse the back of the check and mail it in with a completed donation form to Habitat for Humanity Chicago at:
1100 W Cermak, Ste. 404
Chicago, IL 60608
Can I mail in a cash donation?
It is not a good idea to send a cash donation in the mail. You may drop off the cash at Habitat for Humanity Chicago along with your information or you can deposit the cash into your checking account and send a personal check from your account.
The Habitat Chicago office is located at:
1100 W Cermak, Ste. 404
Chicago, IL 60608
How quickly can I expect an online donation to post to my page?
Any donation made online should post immediately. If your donation does not post within 5 minutes,
please contact Habitat for Humanity Chicago.
Can I enter a check online?
You can't enter a check online. What you can do is enter a check as a pledge. This can be done in the fundraising section of your headquarters page. The status of the check will be pending until the check is received by Habitat for Humanity Chicago.
A donor is requesting a Tax ID number; what is that and how can I get it?
A Tax ID number identifies Habitat for Humanity Chicago as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Many donors will request this number to validate their donation as tax-deductible. The Habitat for Humanity Chicago Tax ID number is 46-0494889.
Not all of my donors are showing up in the Honor Roll. Why?
As your donors make a contribution, they have the option of whether or not they want to appear in the Honor Roll. Some may opt out and choose to remain anonymous.
Where can I find a list of the people who have donated to me?
Log in with your email and password to visit your headquarters page. Select "My Fundraising Report" on the left side. You will then find a list of all of your donors as well as a list of all donors to your team .
How can I send a thank you email to my donors?
To easily send thank you emails to donors, follow these steps:
- Log in to your fundraiser dashboard by clicking the "My HQ" link in the top right
- Click "My Fundraising Report" in the left sidebar
- Locate the donor/donation you'd like to thank, and click "Send Email" (If the donor didn't submit their email address, this option is unavailable.)
- Type the message in the pop-up window, and click "Send Email"
Why am I receiving emails telling me that I've received a donation?
You are receiving these emails because we would like to keep you updated on your fundraising efforts. If you wish to stop receiving these updates, please login to your headquarters and edit your account preferences.
Can I make a donation to a team?
Yes. You can make a donation to a builder on a team or you can make a general team donation.
Where should I mail donation checks?
All donations should be mailed to:
Habitat for Humanity Chicago
1100 W Cermak, Ste. 404
Chicago, IL 60608.
Who should I make my check out to?
Please make all checks payable to: Habitat for Humanity Chicago.
Please make sure that in the memo it says Winter Warriors 2018 and who the donation should be credited to.
How do I find a participant's personal fundraising webpage?
Click on the search icon on the
homepage and begin typing the first or last name. Your options will display as you type.
How quickly can I expect an online donation to post to a participant's fundraising account?
Any donation made online should post immediately. If an online donation does not post within 5 minutes, please
contact us.
Are donations tax-deductible?
All monetary donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.
For Canadian donations made online with a credit card, will the amount entered be in U.S. dollars?
Yes. For Canadian donations made online with a credit card, the amount entered in the online donation form will be in U.S. dollars.
Do all donors who mail their donations receive a receipt?
Any donor who mailed his or her donation and provided an address will receive a receipt via mail once the donation has been processed. If you made your donation in installments, you will receive a receipt each time a monthly payment is processed.
Do all donors who contribute online receive a receipt?
Yes, anyone who donates online, regardless of the amount, will receive a receipt via email.
What is Habitat for Humanity Chicago's Tax ID number?
A Tax ID number identifies Habitat for Humanity Chicago as a 501(c)(3) non-profit Organization. The Habitat for Humanity Chicago Tax ID number is 46-0494889
How do I add a dedication when I make a donation?
When you make a donation online, you can designate what you want to appear as your recognition name on the participant's Honor Roll. This may be your name, or it could be something such as "From the whole Wolf family" or "in memory of Aunt Cathy."
Who do I contact with any donation-related questions?
Our volunteer team at volunteer@habitatchicago.org or 312-563-0296 x40.