Standing Committees

A number of standing committees conduct key operations vital to the smooth functioning of Habitat's important work.

Family Selection Committee

Members of the Family Selection Committee guide our families through the application process. They help fill out applications, review and verify the information received, interview prospective partner families, and carry out home visits. Each year, the Family Selection Committee has the very difficult task of selecting and recommending a 'short-list' of families to the Board of Directors. This committee works closely with the Family Support Committee. Both committees need some members fluent in a second language, especially Spanish. Chairs: Judy Byrne and Cathy Amoia.

Family Support Committee

Members of the Family Support Committee become 'Advocates' for each family. Advocates work with partner families, before, during, and after construction, and as the families transition to homeownership. Another main duty of Advocates is to monitor and record the partner families' "sweat equity" hours. Advocates also organize the required homeowner classes and help coordinate the dedication of the finished homes. This committee works closely with the Family Selection Committee. Both committees need some members fluent in a second language, especially Spanish. Chair: Suzanne Dawes and Bev Mennerich.

Volunteer Relations & Cultivation Committee

This Committee organizes volunteers needed for the work and activities of the organization. The committee plans orientation to, and safety and training activities for site; hospitality; group work camps such as Collegiate Challenge; and organizes volunteer recognition events. The Committee also helps in the organization of outreach, donor acknowledgement, planning of site tours, and coordinates the Speakers Bureau. Chairs: Judy McLaughlin and Neil Drislane.

Site Selection Committee

This committee helps identify potential sites for construction or renovation. The committee's activities include working with local government officials on acquiring houses and building lots. They work closely with the Building Committee to assure the sites are viable construction sites and suitable for our partner families. Chairs: Joan Davies.

Building Committee

This committee is for people interested in or knowledgeable in home construction. Surveyors, architects, carpenters, plumbers, electricians, and people who know building code can be invaluable members. House Captains are core members of this committee. Working closely with our Site and Construction Manager, the committee meets once a month to review and plan all upcoming site work, construction, schedules, and logistics. Chairs: Jim Ferguson and Art Upright.

Faith Relations Committee

Members of this committee serve as the communications liaison between our Habitat affiliate and the area clergy. The Faith Relations Committee also promotes and coordinates fundraising activities and volunteer drives within the area ministries. Chair: Rev. Dr. Richard Spierling.

Standing Governance Committees

The Board of Directors elects members of the Board to serve as chairpersons and as members of the following standing governance committees:

• Executive Committee Chair: Daniel B. Clarino
• Finance Committee Chair: Gary Smith & Rob Bowen
• Board Development Committee Chair: William Murphy & David McTamaney
• Development Committee Chair: Maureen Crush & Richard Schoenberg