Chamber of Commerce Southern New Jersey’s Post

For University of Minnesota Students looking to make a change in our community: As we approach the start of the school year and move-in days for both campus dorms and apartment complexes alike, it’s likely that the headache of finding and maintaining affordable housing has hurt many of us. It’s nearly impossible to find cheap housing near campus, and the problem extends into the rest of the Twin Cities area. It is projected that Minnesota is in a 106,000 housing unit deficit, placing many in our community at the risk of homelessness, as well as steadily driving up housing costs. To combat this issue, Habitat for Humanity fights legislation, spreads awareness, and creates opportunities to directly supply housing to families in need. Each year, Habitat for Humanity hosts the Carter Work Project, named after H4H VIPs Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter, to hold a house-building marathon for communities in need. Since the Project’s creation nearly 40 years ago, the project has built thousands of homes in 14 countries, and now, it is our turn. Minneapolis was chosen to host the 2024 Carter Work Project from 9/29-10/4, and we need your help to fulfill its vision. We are looking for University of Minnesota students, no matter the school, major, age, or past service experience to help us meet our volunteering goal for the week long event. There are volunteering opportunities ranging from food service, parking directors, site cleanup, and home-building opportunities, all working towards the goal of supplying our Twin Cities area with desperately-needed housing. To learn more about how you could make a difference for the Twin Cities community, please reach out to the Univeristy of Minnesota campus chapter at habitat@umn.edu, or visit tchabitat.org

Delve into the world of volunteer programs and explore the concepts of incubators and coops! Gain insights into different approaches and considerations for volunteer program retention.

Curious about what HOPE585 is all about? We anchor our work in the Science of Hope, recognizing that hope is not merely a feeling but a mindset. Our programs, partnerships, and initiatives are strategically crafted around teaching and restoring youth and families' hope for their future. Discover how we're fostering hope in our community. Learn more at hope585.org

Let's start a conversation about how we use our work skills to give back to our communities! Here's mine: I'm currently diving into a survey analysis for a proposed sports arena project with my neighborhood association. It been fun dusting off my 20+ years of research skills to benefit my adopted hometown. And I can confirm that my neighbors have - some feelings! What volunteer or community-serving roles have you taken on using your professional expertise? I'd love to hear about it! #CommunityService #VolunteerWork #ProfessionalSkills #LinkedInConversations

Learn more about our NEW Benefits in Action co-location with partner Restoration Outreach Programs in this blog article from Benefit Navigator, Rand Hooks!

New Episode Drop! 🎙️ ⬇️ When we consider the experiences of our on-campus students, our focus revolves around fostering community, facilitating connections, and aiding in transitions. But do we specifically consider the issue of loneliness?

Community Input Needed: Addressing Park Safety and Use Dear neighbors, We’re reaching out to gather your valuable input about Washington Jefferson and other neighborhood parks. These spaces are being used to offer much-needed support to our unhoused community members, reflecting the heart and generosity of our neighborhood. However, we’ve noticed some concerns about safety and want to ensure that everyone in our community feels secure and supported. Your voice matters, and we want to hear from you! We’re seeking your thoughts on the following which will inform the discussion at our next General Meeting on September 11th. -What questions, concerns or observations do you have for the WCC and City of Eugene about safety in our parks? - Do you have any ideas for potential solutions or improvements to address safety issues while continuing to support our unhoused community? Your feedback will play a crucial role in shaping positive solutions. Please share your ideas with us by sending a direct message or emailing whiteakercommunitycouncil@gmail.com. Together, we can achieve our goal of making our community stronger and safer for all! https://lnkd.in/ghknd9iV

While volunteer first responders across the country share a common goal of serving their communities, each individual has different beliefs that impact their role. Tim Cramblit (Crescent Lake, OR) believes that volunteer responders, as public servants, have an obligation to learn, train, and pursue education & service opportunities whenever possible. Learn why he believes his, and how it’s impacted his first responder journey, at https://lnkd.in/gZ69YCwr.

On DoSomething.org, students can explore volunteer campaigns focused on causes they feel passionate about – everything from environmental issues to discrimination to gun violence. Beyond their specific interests, students can also filter for location (in-person or online), types of action they can take, and how much time they have (less than 5 minutes to 3+ hours). Some campaigns offer volunteer credit, and many encourage students to work with peers to increase their impact. Campaigns are ongoing, and creativity is encouraged! https://hubs.ly/Q02rdT5s0

The call to foster inclusive communities grows louder as more research emerges on the importance of social connection. At IMPACT Parks, we believe that the answer lies right in our neighborhoods. A simple, accessible, and natural remedy to loneliness is creating and maintaining public parks. These green spaces are about providing recreational areas but also fostering social connections and enhancing community well-being. LEARN MORE about the natural solution for enhancing social connections and well-being: https://hubs.ly/Q02B7hBS0