Affordable housing

Volunteering

The Employee Foundation collaborates with the non-profit organisation Habitat for Humanity on building affordable homes.

This year, we will be joining the “Empty Spaces to Homes” initiative in Poland. The initiative tackles the challenges of severe shortage of affordable housing and an urgent need to reduce carbon emissions by repurposing vacant properties into affordable, energy-efficient housing.

As a volunteer in this programme and together with colleagues from the VKR Group, you will help preparing apartments for people at risk of social exclusion, e.g. people with disabilities, refugees and people in risk of homelessness – all paid for by the Employee Foundation!

In 2022, 2023 and 2024, teams of colleagues participated in the Hope Build program in Romania with great success.

We are pleased to open for applications for volunteering in the week 07-13 September 2025! We will need 18 volunteers.

A special experience

The participating employees come from different companies within the VKR Group and represent different languages. They do not know each other in advance, however, they quickly form a strong connection in the common project.

The work varies, but mostly within demolition: preparing the inside of the building for plastering, sanding and painting. Of course, there is time to hear about the situation and background of the families for which the homes are built. It usually makes a big impression and confirms the importance of the work.

There will also be guided sightseeing in Warsaw.

Requirements and expectations

You must be able to understand and speak English. There are no requirements for artisanal skills or education. It is important that you want to meet new people and that you like to be part of both social communities and work communities. You must be willing to roll up your sleeves and solve the tasks at hand.

You will need to spend a week’s holiday and it is important that your manager consent to it that you take holiday in the week of the program launch.

Terms and application

Terms

  • We do not decide the tasks to be solved, so be prepared for everything.
  • Protective equipment is provided (glasses, helmet, hearing protection), but not workwear and shoes. You must bring it yourself.
  • You must have a valid passport and a travel insurance.
  • Well in advance, you will receive information about transportation and other practical information.
  • The Employee Foundation will make sure that you receive a programme before you leave.
  • The Employee Foundation will cover cost of travel, hotel, meals, and the volunteering contribution to Habitat for Humanity for the selected volunteers.
  • Habitat for Humanity will book hotel and transportation in Poland.
  • All meals are pre-ordered.

How to apply for a seat

  • Apply online at Employee Foundation of the VKR Group, select purpose ‘F’.
  • Attach your motivated application in English: Why would you like to participate in this programme?
  • Please apply by using the above link, and observe the deadline of  1 May 2025.