P.O. Box 1000, Chicago, IL 30100
301-388-0101
About Us
The Volunteer Network was founded in 1982 by Henry Compton in Champaign, IL. The Volunteer Network builds simple houses with no-profit mortgages affordable to families with low incomes. Partner families invest hundreds of hours of their own labor into the building of their home and the homes of their neighbors, and connect with their community as they work side by side with volunteers.
Our Mission
The Volunteer Network is making adequate, affordable housing a matter of conscience and action the greater Chicago area.
Our Vision
A world where everyone has a respectable, decent place to live and call their home.
What We Do
Help Families:
Provide Affordable housing to low-income families in Cook County.
Help families earn their dream of a new home through their active participation in constructing their own and others home.
Strengthen and support families.
Provide zero-interest financing to homeowners
Educate families on life skills.
Revitalize Communities:
Upgrade communities.
Promote positive dynamics in the community.
Help to erase substandard housing.
Build partnerships with churches, schools and other organizations.
Reinvest in the community.
Provide an opportunity for people to participate and feel good about their efforts.
BUILDING HOUSES. BUILDING COMMUNITY. BUILDING HOPE.
All are Welcome
The Volunteer Network has an open-door policy: All who believe that everyone needs a decent, affordable place to live are welcome to help with the work, regardless of race, religion, age, gender, political views or any of the other distinctions that too often divide people. In short, we welcome volunteers and supporters from all backgrounds and also serves people in need of decent housing regardless of race or religion. As a matter of policy, the Volunteer Network does not proselytize. This means that the Volunteer Network will not offer assistance on the expressed or implied condition that people must either adhere to or convert to a particular faith, or listen and respond to messaging designed to induce conversion to a particular faith.
Our Values
The Chicago area chapter of the Volunteer Network believes in the following values and strives to incorporate them in the work that we accomplish.
Diversity
Efficiency
Faith-Based
Global Perspective
Sustainability
Innovation
Integrity
Leadership
Partnership