Frequently Asked Questions

General Questions

What do you do?

The Rice Campus Chapter primarily provides volunteer labor to Houston Habitat for Humanity. We work alongside general volunteers and future Habitat homeowners. We also have a group that helps tutor the children who live in the Habitat homes we have helped build. In addition, there is a group that helps lawyers that volunteer for Houston Habitat to run legal advice clinics. We also work with Rebuilding Together Houston, on both wheelchair ramp builds and home remodeling projects. As a group, we hope to give Rice students the opportunity to give back to the community, while also allowing them to become great leaders, no matter what they decide to do later in life.

Is there a Habitat trip for Alternative Spring Break?

There sure is! In March 2011 There was a Rice Habitat Sponsored build to New Orleans, LA In March 2010, Rice Habitat sponsored a build in New Orleans, LA. In March 2008, Tommy Fu led a group to Tacoma, Washington to build for the local Habitat for Humanity Chapter. In March 1999, a group of Rice students led by Ellen Lansden traveled to Leesburg, Florida for a Spring Break build. In 1998, groups worked in New Orleans and Honduras. In 1997, groups worked in Mobile, Alabama and Honduras. In 1996, Rice Habitat traveled to Honduras and also to Gainesville, Florida. In 1995, a group went to Jackson Mississippi as well as Honduras. In 1993 & 1994, a group worked in New Iberia, Louisiana.

Involvement

Who can join?

Anyone affiliated with Rice can volunteer with Rice Habitat. There is no membership fee.

How can I get involved with Rice Habitat?

The best way to get involved with Rice Habitat is to attend our general meetings, which are held monthly. Our meeting schedule for this semester can be found on the home page.

How do I get on the mailing list?

Visit the Listserv and complete the "Subscribing to RICEHFH" form.

How do I get off the mailing list?

Visit the Listserv and use the form at the bottom of the page.

I don't want to do construction work, but I want to be involved. How?

You can be a college rep - make announcements, come to meetings. You can be on our fund-raising committee - help us get the money for the Rice habitat build. You can also join one of our 10 committees, including HTCB, Publicity, Pre-Law, Tutoring, Architecture, etc. You can work with Houston Habitat for Humanity, in their office, or on a number of different committees. If interested in any of these opportunities, contact habitat@rice.edu.

Building

Where do you work?

The worksite will be announced by the site leader for the week.

Do I need construction experience?

Absolutely not! All you need is the desire to learn more about construction. We'll teach you how to build a house, little by little.

Do I need tools?

Absolutely not! Rice Habitat owns seven toolboxes filled with tools. In addition, Houston Habitat has two vaults full of tools and materials. You may bring tools if you like, but you will be responsible for them.

The Safety Video: What is it and how do I see it?

The safety video is a ten minute video detailing safe practices at the construction site. It will be shown at various times during the semester. You can also arrange for a viewing at the RSVP office by emailing habitat@rice.edu

I'm interested in working this weekend. How do I sign up?

Please email us at habitat@rice.edu with your name, the dates you would like to volunteer, and whether or not you are able to drive others (you have a car). Then visit our page for Info for Individual Volunteers.

I am the leader or a member of another student group on campus. My group is very interested in doing a Habitat build. How can we do this?

First, please check out our Calendar to find an open shift. Second, please email Habitat at habitat@rice.edu. We will help you from there. One more thing - get your group members to fill out waivers!!!

I need a reimbursement!

Fill out the reimbursement form and return to our Treasurer Juan Hernandez.

Still have an unanswered question?

Contact habitat@rice.edu

Rice Habitat for Humanity is a non-profit student organization which works towards Habitat's goal of eliminating inadequate housing. Rice Habitat works to extinguish inadequate housing in Houston by providing opportunities for the Rice community to volunteer with other Habitat affiliates