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Volunteer, Awareness, & Advocacy Program (VAAP)

The Basics

$3,750

Fundraising Requirement (Assistance Available)

8

Weeks of Service

18-29

Age Range

8-week

Affordable Housing Curriculum

At a Glance

VAAP service will vary depending on your placement, but generally service will include:

  • Supporting community building projects through labor on new construction and home repair projects
  • Developing a holistic understanding of the cause through our Affordable Housing Curriculum
  • Immersing in a new culture and environment
  • Developing leadership skills through collaboration with your host organization and VAAP network
  • Joining a community of fellow VAAP participants passionate about service and civic engagement

2021 Partners

Explore our partners for more information on program dates, project descriptions, locations and more!

Community Rebuilds

April 5 – May 28
June 7 – July 30

Moab, UT

Habitat for Humanity of Wake County

April 5 – May 28
June 7 – July 30

Raleigh, NC

Dwelling Place

May 24 – August 6th

Grand Rapids, MI

Epicenter

June 7 – July 30

Green River, UT

Stafford County Economic Development

July 5th – August 27th

St John, KS

COVER Home Repair

July 5th – August 27th

White River Junction, VT

Fundraising Basics

All VAAP participants are required to fundraise a minimum of $3,750. Through a fundraising page, resource guide, and support from our team, you will be given the tools to succeed in raising your funds.

Your funds will enable Bike & Build to provide:

  • Accommodations
  • Meals
  • Affordable Housing Curriculum
  • Pre-program orientation
  • Insurance
  • HQ support and supervision
  • Volunteer placement

Bike & Build strives to make our program offerings accessible to anyone who wishes to apply. Therefore, we offer support through financial assistance.

Learn About Financial Assistance

Affordable Housing Curriculum

In order to become a knowledgeable advocate for the cause, VAAP Participants will take part in Bike & Build’s Affordable Housing Curriculum before their term.

A mix of virtual and in-person components, each VAAP will spend 15 hours volunteering in their communities, and about 20 hours engaging in online discussions with fellow VAAPs, speaking one-on-one with local affordable housing leaders, and learning a bit about where they’ll be serving.

Learn More About the Curriculum

COVID-19 Precautions

Safety is our biggest priority whether it’s on the bike, on a build site, or however you are participating in our programs.

Bike & Build will ensure that VAAP partners, hosts, and participants follow updated CDC guidelines to mitigate the risk of contracting and/or spreading COVID-19. We will continue to monitor the pandemic and provide up to date details for all of our participants and partners.

FAQs

What's included in my fundraising?

Funds raised will ensure that all housing and food costs are covered for the entirety of your volunteer experience. In addition, fundraising will support Bike & Build’s operations, ensuring that we can offer an array of programming that impacts affordable housing and empowers young adults to become civically engaged.

Bike & Build offers financial assistance for those needing support for costs related to travel to/from the project location, gear associated with the project, and other associated costs. To learn more about financial assistance, click here.

Where do the funds go?

Your funds will enable Bike & Build to provide:
  • Accommodations
  • Meals
  • Affordable Housing Curriculum
  • Pre-program orientation
  • Insurance
  • HQ support and supervision, ensuring complete safety
  • Volunteer placement

In addition, VAAP fundraising enables Bike & Build to offer an array of programming designed to impact affordable housing and empower young adults for a lifetime of service and civic engagement.

Can I get college credit?

There is potential for you to receive credit for your VAAP experience, but it is ultimately up to your university to decide whether or not this program will qualify. In the past, Bike & Build participants have received credit through their university’s college internship or civic engagement offices to get independent study credit. We are happy to work with you and your university to explore this option!

How many hours will I work per week?

While exact work hours will vary from partner to partner, you can expect to work roughly 8am – 4pm each day, 5 days a week.

How do I get to the placement location?

Travel costs associated with travel to and from the project location is the responsibility of the VAAP Participant. In addition, there may be quarantine requirements related to COVID-19 based on the state to which you’re traveling and the state you’re traveling from.

If you require financial assistance to cover costs associated with travel, click here.

How will I get around once I'm there?

While some VAAP Partners may require a vehicle for traveling to and from the work site, others will provide housing on-site or near the project location. Bike & Build will do our best to match you with a partner that meets your transportation needs.

And of course, you’re welcome to bring a bike!

When will I know where I'm going?

We will have our VAAP Participants placed with their VAAP Partners by February 1st or earlier.

I'm Ready to Sign Up!

Apply now

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