Habitat for Humanity MetroWest/Greater Worcester: Marketing and Recruiting College Student Volunteers

Project Description

The Habitat for Humanity MetroWest/Greater Worcester ReStore outlet strives to eliminate poverty through housing. The ReStore uses the sales profit from donated items to fund Habitat for Humanity building days, days where houses are built for the community. To raise money for their builds, ReStore offers home improvement accessories, building materials, furniture and appliances to the less fortunate at a considerably discounted price (Habitat For Humanity About Us, 2015). For this work, the ReStore relies on, among other things, volunteers to assist in organizing donated merchandise, price sale items, assist customers, and clean. To ensure the ReStore has volunteers to complete these tasks, this project increased awareness, established campus connections and created sustainable volunteer relationships between ReStore and the college campuses. The campuses included all colleges and universities that offer at least a two year degree and are located in the neighboring 42 towns and cities.

Project Sponsor

Habitat for Humanity MetroWest/Greater Worcester ReStore is a retail outlet that sells donated new and gently used home improvement supplies, building materials, and home furnishings. The ReStore is located at 11 Distributor Rd in Worcester and has been in its current location for over four years. All proceeds generated by the ReStore are utilized by the local Habitat for Humanity affiliate to build affordable homes in partnership with people in need.

Their mission is to eliminate poverty through housing. The goal is to keep donated items from becoming landfill waste, provide customers with quality material at low prices, and provide donors and volunteers with additional ways to partner with Habitat for Humanity.

Student Researchers

Project Goals and Objectives

• To increase awareness and to inform recruitment strategies, interviews and surveys assessed current student knowledge.
• To develop campus connections preexisting relationships were studied and information was gathered on their strengths and weaknesses. 
• To create sustainable volunteer relationships, case studies were reviewed and their successful techniques were implemented.