Saint matthew’s AND habitat for humanity
Since 1998, Saint Matthew’s has help fund and build decent, safe and affordable homes in the Phoenix metro area and around the world. Some of those families have had their children grow up and attend college. Over the years, many members of Saint Matthew’s have helped make this dream come true. As volunteers, individuals learn the skills needed to build a house.
Episcopal Habitat Coalition
Volunteering with the Episcopal Habitat Coalition is a rewarding experience where you can meet future homeowners as they work alongside volunteers to build their homes. You'll often see them on-site during construction, at the first-day wall raising, and at the final dedication ceremony with their families.
No experience is needed to participate—training on safety, tools, and construction processes is provided at the start of each workday.
Over the years, the Episcopal Habitat Coalition has helped build 84 homes—49 locally and 35 internationally—raising over $2.1 million and contributing more than 18,650 volunteer hours.
Supporting HAbitat for humanity
You can support the habitat outreach program by leaving a check with Habitat in the memo line. In addition, Habitat accepts in kind donations for construction and if you are planning a remodel, the Habitat staff will remove unwanted cabinets and appliances that will be sold in the ReStore to help fund the mission. You can also donate a car!
One of the most common miss-conceptions is that the Habitat houses are given away. That is not the case. The future homeowner will apply and qualify for a zero interest loan, funded by Habitat. The payments on that mortgage helps fund future land purchases and building expenses.
Every year, Saint Matthew’s joins hands with Episcopal congregations across the Valley to build strength, stability, and hope through Habitat for Humanity. But every hammer swing, every early morning on the job site, and every sun-soaked afternoon spent raising a frame becomes something far greater than the sum of its parts. This fall, that dedication blossomed into a beautiful new beginning for one very grateful family. After months of steady work by the Episcopal Habitat Coalition, Mulugeta and his family received the keys to their new Habitat home. During the blessing and dedication, they shared a heartfelt note that captured just how deeply the volunteers’ work has touched their lives.
Building More Than Walls: Habitat for Humanity Volunteers Help a Family Come Home
“Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for this incredible blessing. Having a safe and stable home means so much for our family. Our family watched your hard work and kindness with so much appreciation. You didn’t just build walls and a roof; you built a home filled with love and new beginnings. We will always remember your generosity and the joy you brought to our family. From all of us, thank you for making our dream come true. God bless all of you!”
— Mulugeta’s family
Those words echo the mission that drives our volunteers year after year. Saint Matthew’s parishioners show up faithfully on Thursdays, Saturdays, or any day they can, to serve families they may never have met before the build began. From raising exterior walls to painting trim, from hauling materials to sharing camaraderie around the water cooler, their efforts create more than shelter. They create safety, dignity, and joy alongside with the reminder of what can be built when people show up in love.
Saint Matthew’s is one of 15 Episcopal congregations that form the Episcopal Habitat Coalition. Together, this coalition supports two Habitat homes each year—often a combination of new builds and renovations. Volunteers bring their time and sweat; donors provide funding and materials; and families contribute hundreds of hours of “sweat equity” as they prepare to become homeowners.
As the Coalition enters another season of builds, volunteers from Saint Matthew’s are once again invited to help create a safe and stable home for a family in need. This year brings a more flexible sign-up system, allowing volunteers across all partner churches to register for any open workday.
To volunteer, visit: vhub.at/episcopalco
Select your group and register for an available day—no experience required, just a willing heart and a good pair of closed-toe shoes.
As we celebrate the blessing of Mulugeta’s family’s new home, we also give thanks for you—the volunteers who show up, build up, and lift up others. Your work shapes lives, strengthens communities, and continues Christ’s call to love our neighbors in the most tangible of ways.