College students are often told that volunteering looks good on résumés. It shows leadership capabilities, community involvement, and altruism.

And Springfield has many nonprofit organizations that want college-aged volunteers. Tommy Hawkins, volunteer coordinator at Habitat for Humanity of Springfield, talks about his organization, the benefits of volunteering, and the steps for getting involved.

What is Habitat for Humanity?

“Habitat for Humanity is a nonprofit organization that believes everybody deserves decent, affordable, and safe housing,” said Hawkins. Some families need to purchase a home. Some already live in a house that is currently unsafe and in need of repair, but they do not necessarily have the financial or physical abilities to do those repairs, he said.

Habitat for Humanity builds homes for families at a low cost, but the organization also does neighborhood revitalization.

“It’s renovation of homes and doing minor interior and exterior repairs for families in need,” Hawkins said. Habitat takes on between 50 and 120 neighborhood revitalization projects each year.

How did you get your start with Habitat for Humanity, and what do you do now?

Though he originally came on as a volunteer in college, Hawkins  worked part-time as an intern through AmeriCorps VISTA before joining full-time.

“I’ve been here since 2009, and so I’ve kind of done a little bit of everything,” Hawkins said. “I’ve kind of seen the whole side of Habitat.”

In his current position, he is in charge of finding volunteers to work on the construction sites, to staff the ReStore and organization committees, and to help manage special events.

What impact have you seen Habitat for Humanity have, both on the community and in people’s personal lives?

During Hawkins’ time with Habitat, he has seen the organization go from building four to six houses each year to six to 10 houses each year. He has also seen the start of the neighborhood revitalization projects.

“It’s hard not to see the impact,” said Hawkins. “This is my life’s calling. It’s hard to shut off Habitat. Once you get in there, you can’t get away from it.”

How will volunteering benefit college students?

Habitat for Humanity is a well-known organization in the United States and around the world; volunteering there or at any nonprofit organization can be that extra “kickover” to get an interview or job. Nonprofits often have internship opportunities for students as well. Internships are great for learning skills and getting hands-on experience.

However, the biggest benefit of volunteering, according to Hawkins, is personal. Doing something proactive for the community can “pull you out of a rut.” Some of Hawkins’ best friends are people he met through Habitat for Humanity, and he finds satisfaction in the work he does for families in the Springfield community.

“It makes you feel good,” said Hawkins. “Plain and simple.”

How can college students get involved?

“We want to make it as easy as possible,” Hawkins said. Anyone can sign up to volunteer through the Habitat for Humanity of Springfield website or by calling and asking for Hawkins.

Volunteers have the option of working with customer service, merchandising, donations, or construction. There are also internship opportunities with family services, finance, and construction.

Why is now a good time to volunteer for Habitat for Humanity?

“Because there’s a need now,” Hawkins said. “There are families that want to become homeowners that need volunteers to help out with building their houses. There are families that are in need of work on their homes and they need volunteers to help finish those homes.”

For more information, contact the office at 417.829.4001 or email info@habitatspringfieldmo.org.