Let's Build Q & A — An interview with Mark Andrews.

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Q: Why are Thrivent Financial for Lutherans and Habitat for Humanity International putting so much time and effort into this alliance?

A: The two organizations have always had much in common. In fact, when Thrivent Financial members were asked to identify nonprofits they like to work with, Habitat for Humanity was at the top of the list, and there is a long history of Lutheran congregational support for Habitat. Providing decent, affordable housing is a demonstration of both organizations’ commitment to caring for others.

Q: Does Habitat give away homes? Everyone needs help and compassion, but shouldn’t recipients have to work their way up to home ownership?

A: Habitat does not give away homes—they offer a hand up, not a hand out. Homeowners qualify for no-profit mortgages. Their monthly mortgage payments go into a revolving fund that supports the construction of more homes. The investment Thrivent Financial has made will help for generations to come. Homeowner families invest hundreds of hours of their own “sweat equity” labor into their houses and the houses of others. This is about families with a commitment to improving their lot in life and working hard to make that happen.

Q: I’ve never picked up a hammer in my life. Can I still volunteer?

A: Absolutely! The experience is less about expertise and more about connecting with your community in meaningful ways. The beauty of Thrivent Builds is that there are plenty of volunteer opportunities for almost all ages and interests. Volunteers on Habitat builds typically are led by construction managers. It’s a neat way to learn new skills that you can even use at your own home.

Q: I’m interested in volunteering. How do I get involved?

A: Start by visiting www.thriventbuilds.com. There you can learn more about our programs, including Thrivent Builds Homes, which gives you an opportunity to recruit volunteers, organize fund-raising efforts and ultimately build a U.S. home with a family in need. There’s also Thrivent Builds Giving, which can get your financial gift to Habitat for Humanity supplemented by Thrivent Financial, $1 for every $2 donated, if you are a member. If you’re interested in a partially funded short-term volunteer trip, there’s Thrivent Builds Worldwide. Your support is especially critical as we begin with the first 300-plus U.S. homes and 50 homes worldwide this year.

Q: I'm particularly interested in volunteering abroad. Tell me more about Thrivent Builds Worldwide?

A: Thrivent Builds Worldwide provides overseas opportunities for volunteers to work side-by-side with future homeowners and members of host communities to build simple, affordable homes with some of the world's 1.5 billion people who lack decent shelter. Habitat for Humanity affiliates from around the world host Thrivent Builds Worldwide teams. Trips last one to three weeks and include work, free time, local tours and activities. Thrivent Financial provides partial funding for these trips to its benefit members. More information about these global opportunities is available at www.thriventbuilds.com/worldwide . You also can call 800-236-3736 for more information.

Q: I'd only be able to spend three or four hours once a month helping with Thrivent Builds. Is that enough?

A: If you want to work on a build site, volunteering for half a day is the minimum amount of time we ask for. If that's all someone can do, that's wonderful. But if they can spend even longer, even better! And there are many opportunities for volunteers apart from the actual construction work, such as helping answer phones in the affiliate office or serving refreshments to those working on the build site. You don't need a lot of time to help change lives.

Q: Is Thrivent Builds a good way to introduce teenagers to volunteering?

A: Habitat has a long history of working with youth through college campus chapters or church youth groups. In many ways, that's the future of Habitat. Involving teenagers is a very meaningful and concrete way they can make a difference; they can walk away at the end of the day knowing they've done something important. It's a wonderful way for youth groups to live out their faith together. They can participate in fund-raising activities, or they can help with landscaping or other projects. Actually, we have children as young as elementary age volunteering to help, even though they can't participate in the actual building

Q: Are there age limitations for volunteers?

A: Typically volunteers on a Habitat build site must be at least 16 years old. This varies by state and Habitat affiliate, generally dictated by regulations related to the types of power tools being used on a build site. But there are many other ways besides building in which younger children can participate, such as fund-raising activities.

Q: Who is actually coming out to volunteer?

A: While it's too early to have any survey results, what we're hearing from both the Habitat affiliates and the Thrivent chapters is that we're engaging a new group of volunteers, including many in the younger generation. We are seeing people on the build sites that haven't engaged in other chapter activities. It's exciting because there are opportunities for everyone to participate regardless of age or ability.

Q: The closest Thrivent Builds site is several hours from my home. How can I get involved when it's so far away?

A: It's important to emphasize that Thrivent Builds is a multifaceted program. We knew we couldn't have a home in every neighborhood across the country, so we made a conscious effort to provide multiple ways for Lutherans to participate. Some may choose to contribute funds to the Thrivent Builds Giving program. Others may look for global opportunities through Thrivent Builds Worldwide.

For more information, visit thriventbuilds.com