“This is a great way to find what you’re passionate about, learn what you’re good at and develop an idea of a career. It’s good to find people that are also passionate about the same things," said Jacelyn, Habitat Summer of Service intern and rising freshman at NC State University.
Habitat Greater Raleigh's Summer of Service program is a unique internship in which young adults work with alongside our team to develop new skills and and gain firsthand experience in nonprofit work.
Before heading out to the job site and Habitat ReStores, our SoS interns spent an incredible week learning about Habitat's mission and training in skills they'll need to set them up for a successful summer.
Throughout orientation, interns heard from staff across the organization about the many ways Habitat serves our community; from construction and home preservation to affordable housing advocacy, fundraising and the work of our 10 Habitat ReStores. Together, these conversations painted a picture of how every department plays a role in helping more families achieve the strength and stability through affordable homeownership.
“Home is a place of security and grounding where you know you can go and be recharged to put your energy back into the world," said Ben, Habitat Summer of Service intern and student at Mississippi State University studying building construction science. "It should be necessary that everyone has a place to live healthily and happily and support a family.”
There was no shortage of hands-on activities through the week! From LEGO team-building challenges to hammering competitions that tested both teamwork and technique, every activity was designed to help the interns build confidence while getting to know one another before stepping onto the job site.
On day two, interns worked side-by-side with our Force of Habitat (FOH) volunteers to build a series of bookshelves to donate to Triangle ReStores. Through this project, the interns learned basic construction skills, including how to use a few of the new tools they received from Lowes.
We're grateful to Guy C. Lee for donating the lumber used in this orientation project and to Lowe's for equipping each intern with a new set of tools to use throughout the summer.
By day three, the interns worked together to frame and build walls at our construction warehouse—the first of many they'll construct over the coming weeks. The exercise reinforced the importance of communication and teamwork while giving the group a glimpse of what they'll be doing alongside volunteers and future homeowners this summer.
Day four marked an exciting milestone as the interns stepped onto the build site for the first time. After spending the week practicing their skills, they were able to apply what they had learned on one of our sites in Wendell.
The final two days of orientation shifted focus from construction to another essential part of Habitat Greater Raleigh: Triangle ReStores. At the Cary and Glenwood ReStores, interns learned how donated items are transformed into funding for affordable housing. They also experienced the customer service, merchandising and behind-the-scenes operations that keep each store running. It was a reminder that every donation, purchase and volunteer hour helps build more affordable homes in the Triangle area.
With orientation complete, our SoS interns are ready for the months ahead. Throughout the summer, they'll continue learning from experienced construction and industry professionals while working alongside homebuyers and other volunteers on the build site and in our Habitat ReStores. We'd say those are some pretty good summer plans!
Check out the Summer of Service social highlight for a full recap of orientation week, and be sure to follow @habitatraleigh as the interns continue their journey this summer!
To learn more about the Summer of Service program, or to keep an eye out for the 2027 application cycle, visit: habitatraleigh.org/summerofservice
Of course you don't have to wait until next summer to volunteer! Individuals 16 and up are welcome to join us on the construction site any time: habitatraleigh.org/volunteer
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