What to Expect at Build-A-Thon

You've heard the buzz: Build-A-Thon is back. But if you've never been to one, you might be wondering what all the fuss is about, and what a day at Build-A-Thon actually looks like. Don't worry, we're here with all your Build-A-Thon basics so you have everything you need to join us for this can't-miss event. 

The Nuts & Bolts

Habitat's 40th Anniversary Build-A-Thon takes place over three days—Thursday, September 17- Saturday, September 19—at our Esperanza Place development in Walnut Creek. You can volunteer for any one, two, or all three days while space is available! You'll be working alongside hundreds of fellow volunteers to frame 10 homes, completing weeks of construction in just a few days.

Build-A-Thon is about building in more ways than one. Not only do our volunteers literally build houses, they also build support for Habitat by fundraising. Maybe you've heard of a walk-a-thon or a dance-a-thon, where participants ask friends and family to support the cause they're walking or dancing for. For Build-A-Thon, you're asking them to support Habitat, the mission you're building for!

When you sign up, we make fundraising easy—or you can choose to donate yourself! Either way, we're here for any support you might need.

What will your day(s) look like?

8 a.m. Arrive to Site:
Wear sturdy, closed-toed shoes—think sneakers or work boots—and bring a reusable water bottle, too.  Get checked in, grab your Build-A-Thon t-shirt, and have some breakfast! 

Morning Safety Talk:
Safety is our #1 priority. Before breaking into groups divided by house, you'll receive a special briefing covering everything you need to know for a safe day onsite.

After this brief speaking program, it's off to work. No tools, no experience? No problem! We will have all the equipment you need, and training and supervision courtesy of our amazing house and crew leaders.

Off to Work:

The goal is that by the end of day 3, we have 10 homes framed from the foundations to the second stories. So, get ready for a day full of hammers, nails, anchor bolts, power tools, and building with your crew.

Noon - Lunch:

At noon, it's time for a tasty lunch, some brief remarks, and a fun lunchtime community-building activity (think hammering contests and water balloon tosses!).

1 - 4 p.m.:

It's back to work after lunch, followed by clean-up at 3:30 p.m. You'll be back on your way home by 4 p.m.!

Building What Matters

The main thing you can expect from Build-A-Thon? An absolutely unforgettable experience. There is nothing like seeing a home rise from foundation to trusses, and being able to say you were a part of it. And nothing compares to the electric atmosphere of a Build-A-Thon, where you're surrounded by a vibrant community working alongside you. And at the end of your time at Build-A-Thon, you'll have built new homes—as well as new friendships, new skills, and a new sense of what is possible when we all build it together.