Thank you for your interest in serving on a Chesapeake Habitat for Humanity committee!  Lending a hand in planning, management, fundraising and other vital "behind the build" roles, committee members provide critical support to our goal of building simple, decent, affordable houses with deserving families in need .  

We are looking for committee members with all levels of experience and expertise.  Most importantly, we are seeking members who are motivated to get involved and are who willing to work with fellow volunteers from all walks of life.  We hope the brief descriptions below will give you a quick summary of the variety of ways you can serve and will help you identify the committee(s) that best suit your talents.  All committees are open to new members but we especially need volunteer support on the following committees:  Habitat Harvest Event Planning, Family Services and Advocacy.

Each committee sets its own meeting schedule--generally one meeting per month.  If you see one (or more) committee(s) of interest to you, please email the Committee Chair(s) to express your interest and to learn when the next committee meeting(s) will take place.  If a Committee Chair is not listed, or if you have general questions about committees, please contact Karen Edsell, Director of Volunteer Services at [ email ] or 410-366-1250x111.  New Committee Volunteers are encouraged to attend an initial meeting before committing to membership.  If a meeting date is listed below, please email the listed Committee Chair in advance of the meeting to indicate that you plan to attend.  We look forward to your volunteer service!
  

Habitat Harvest Event Planning	Chair: Emily Grant [Email]
Assist with all aspects of planning our annual gala event, including soliciting auction donations; planning event logistics such as food, entertainment and print materials; creating a media and promotions strategy; securing event sponsorship; ticket sales; and other related activities.  Committee meets monthly from apx. February – October, annually.  Skills: No specific skills necessary, but some experience in any of the above activities is helpful.  Time commitment: 1 monthly meeting plus apx. 4-8 hours of work per month on your own time.  Next Full Committee Meeting:  Wednesday, May 7th at 6:00 p.m., CHH Office.  The Sponsorship Subcommittee will meet on Monday, April 14th at  6 p.m., CHH Office.  New Members welcome at both meetings!
NEW Family Services Sub- Committee	Chair: Courtney Toms [Email]
This is a recent addition to Chesapeake Habitat as a sub-committee to the Family Selection Committee.  CHH is making a concentrated effort to improve its homeownership education program in the areas of financial management and the basics of homeownership. The committee welcomes anyone who has a skill or interest that might be applicable to first time homeowners. Committee Members will serve as Budget Builders and will have the opportunity to spend 3-4 hours per month working in close partnership with families in our homebuying program.  Join us on Tuesday, April 29th at 6:30 p.m. at the Chesapeake Habitat Office (3326 Keswick Road, Baltimore, MD 21211) for an introductory session for all newly interested volunteers.  For details, email Courtney.
NEW Advocacy Committee	Chair: Mike Mitchell [Email]
The need for affordable housing is great and Chesapeake Habitat is looking to use its relationships and partnerships city wide to make a greater impact for Baltimore residents. This committee looks to:  identify coalitions already working on affordable housing issues,  to educate our volunteers/homeowners about the increasing need for affordable housing, and work with our elected officials to ensure that affordable housing remains a part of the city agenda.  An introductory meeting will be held on Monday, April 21st at 6:30 p.m. at the Chesapeake Habitat for Humanity office (3326 Keswick Road, Baltimore, MD 21211).  All interested volunteers are encouraged to attend.  Email the committee chair to RSVP for the March 25th meeting or to learn more.
Construction	Chair: Matt Metzger [Email]
Work with the Project Director to provide oversight of current construction projects, address safety concerns, create a volunteer-friendly environment, and obtain in-kind contributions.  Standar practices and policies are reviewed with attention given to new developments in building science, materials, and methods.  Knowledge of general construction practices (and specifically residential rehab) is especially useful.
Family Selection	Chair: Courtney Toms [Email]
The Family Selection Committee is responsible for drafting the selection criteria used to select families for approval by the board of directors. The Family Selection Committee interviews applicants and reviews applications.  The Family Selection Committee uses information such as net income, expenses, obligations, and credit history, along with the applicant’s current housing situation, to determine eligibility. The committee is responsible for interviewing prospective families, recommending applicants to the Board of Directors for approval, shaping CHH policy to best fit our mission and the needs of our homeowners, and developing an orientation program for applicants.
Finance Committee	Chair: Trish Fallon [Email]
This committee is composed of active and retired business people, including accountants, lawyers, insurance specialists, bankers, and corporate executives.  These volunteers support the Board Treasurer and the Financial Director to monitor the fiscal operation and financing of Chesapeake Habitat for Humanity (house construction, program and operational costs, ReStore and the handling of mortgages) and planning for its future.  This committee also works with bank relationships, potential investment vehicles, asset leveraging, audit engagement, compensation rates, benefits, insurance, leases, settlement costs and any other financial issues that contribute to the smooth running of the organization.   This committee meets quarterly on weekday evenings at the Chesapeake Habitat for Humanity office.
Planning Advisory Committee	Chair: Mike Mitchell [Email]
Assists Chesapeake Habitat staff with developing a strategic plan; leading acquisition, marketing, fundraising and planning/construction subgroups; and identifying and accessing resources in the community.  Members come from a variety of backgrounds such as planning, marketing, construction, architecture, real estate, policy and law.  Meetings are held quarterly.