Engaged Beyond Business
Houses for Romania
Building homes for families in need
This program enables Hilti employees to help families in precarious housing situations with no possibility of improving their living conditions. It also offers the opportunity to strengthen soft skills and expand the area of expertise.
The project
The project “Houses for Romania” includes a five-day on-site work assignment in which volunteers help an international NGO build houses for families in need. Not only do participants get to know each other outside the workplace and bring their newly acquired skills back home, but they also change a family’s life forever.
The work is carried out under the direction of the NGO “Habitat for Humanity” and includes simple manual tasks such as cutting boards, insulating walls, or laying floors. Because all tasks are performed under the guidance of professional workers, neither prior knowledge nor special training is required. There are no costs for team members. The volunteer work is compensated as working time.
What is the reason for engagement?
25 years after the end of communism in Romania, life on the ground is still characterized by poverty. The economic situation in the EU country is poor, and there is currently no prospect of improvement. As a result, about a quarter of the population lives below the poverty line. The children of the affected families have a particularly hard time: together with their parents, they are trapped in a life that often neither guarantees basic medical care nor access to education. A vicious circle begins. This is precisely where the «Houses for Romania» initiative comes in, creating a sustainable livelihood for families in need. Because a secure home represents the foundation of a self-determined future.
Who is our collaboration partner?
The project takes place in collaboration with the NGO “Habitat for Humanity.” The international organization has been active in Romania for years and knows the peculiarities of the southeastern European country like the back of its hand. While «Habitat for Humanity» selects beneficiary families, organizes the construction materials, and provides professional workers as well as volunteers from abroad, Hilti is helping on-site with technical and labor resources.
What is the selection process?
The beneficiary families are not charity recipients but are actively involved, bear a small share of the costs and, if possible, work on the construction site. By actively involving them in planning, financing, and construction, all parties involved enter into a partnership of equals. The repayment modalities are adapted to the individual financial possibilities of the beneficiaries. In the case of houses in which Hilti employees are involved, the Hilti Foundation bears the house costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
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No prior building knowledge is required. The volunteers are accompanied by professionals. The program presents different tasks and levels of difficulty.
The program is open to all Hilti team members to take part in. They will be grouped into teams of 20-25, and aim to build a duplex house together within one week!
By taking part in this program, you will help families in need, strengthen your soft skills and teamwork capabilities, and broaden your areas of competence.
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The program lasts for 7 days in Southeastern Europe, including two traveling and five working days.
The main field of activity will be construction work, and the support of workers on site - learning by doing under guidance.
All expenses, fees or costs are covered by the Hilti Foundation. Accommodation is provided & the volunteering time is remunerated as working time.
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Traveling to and from Romania takes place as a group on weekends and is organized in cooperation with the Hilti Foundation. The travel will be by plane. Participants will be informed in good time about details of arrival and departure, accommodation, and catering.
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Accommodation is provided. Rooms are simple and clean: a bed, a desk, and a bathroom. Please note that the work assignments take place in economically weak regions. The local infrastructure may therefore differ from Central European standards.
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Food and drinks are provided. A total of three meals per day as well as snacks for in between are included. While breakfast and dinner are taken at the accommodation or at a local restaurant, lunch is usually eaten at the construction site. Meals are eaten as a group. The local cuisine is meat-heavy, often combined with regional vegetables such as tomatoes, eggplants, onions, garlic and peppers. Legumes containing protein are also popular. Vegetarian options are available to some degree, but must be requested in advance. Participants are encouraged to inform the organizers of any intolerances or allergies in advance.
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Tips and tricks around the choice of clothes and luggage
To be prepared for all eventualities, clothes for different weather conditions should be brought along. Keep in mind that on construction sites, sometimes irremovable stains cannot be avoided. In addition to long and short pants, warm sweaters, a weatherproof jacket, warm socks, and sturdy are mandatory.
Participants will be provided with T-shirts prior to the start of construction activities, as well as protective clothing such as helmets and gloves. For the evening activities, a piece of comfortable clothing should not be missing either, as well as a pair of casual shoes. Romania uses sockets according to the European Union standard. Therefore, participants from non-EU countries may need adapters.
Do you have any questions?
You can reach us by e-mail:
foundation-ebb.hiltiteam@hilti.com
