Find resources and tutorials related to the Neighbors Helping Neighbors Program.
Welcome
Welcome to the Resource Center! In this section of Neighbors Helping Neighbors, you can browse topics to find information to improve your experience using the platform to love and serve neighbors.
Topics are divided into ‘Volunteer Resources’ and ‘Neighbor Resources’ with topics and sub-topics beneath each. Find the topic you are interested in learning more about, then click on one of the sub-topics for more detailed information.
To exit out of the Resource Center and return to the Neighbors Helping Neighbors platform, click the ‘Find Projects’ button in the top right-hand corner of the page.
Volunteer Resources
Volunteering with Neighbors Helping Neighbors
Thank you for exploring this opportunity to love and serve our neighbors. Everyone – at one point or another – needs a helping hand from a caring neighbor. And sometimes we can be that caring neighbor to someone else who needs help!
The following information will guide you in the steps to register as a volunteer and use the platform to find and meet needs in our community. The process of completing an entire project from beginning to end is organized into the following 5 steps. Select a topic on the left-hand side of the page to expand more detailed instructions.
Step 1: Registering as a NHN Volunteer
Step 2: Logging in to Your Account
Step 3: Finding a Project to Adopt
Step 4: Adopting and Scouting a Project
Step 5: Editing and Completing a Project
Step 6: Post-Project Survey + Storytelling
Step 1: Registering as a NHN Volunteer
Registering as a NHN Volunteer
- To begin, visit community1.org/LoveaNeighborNow
2. Read through the content of the page, and click “Register as a Volunteer” to move on to the registration page.
3. Fill out your information, choose a password, and electronically sign the Waiver of Liability, Terms and Conditions, and Privacy Policy by typing your full name into the box. *Make a note of the password you entered, this is how you will login later.
4. Click the “continue” button to move to the next step.
5. Because this work takes place in the homes and lives of neighbors, we ask that all new volunteers complete a background screening. Community One does not collect employment history, income information, or credit history. For a full description of what is included on our background screening, please see our Background Screening Policy. This page shows you the two options you have for paying for the screening.
6. Complete your background screening by selecting to pay for your own screening ($15) or to have Community One cover the cost. Covering the cost of your own screening helps us dedicate more funds directly to our neighbors, we would sincerely appreciate the help!
7. By selecting an option, you will be directed to the SecureSearch portal and will complete the screening there.
8. After you submit your background screening, your volunteer application will be reviewed by a staff member to ensure your application is complete and your background screening meets our criteria.
9. You will receive a confirmation email when the process is complete.
Step 2: Logging in to Your Account
Logging in to Your Account
1. Go to community1.org and select the “Find Projects” button in the upper right hand corner of the page. (OR you can access the Project Search page by going directly to nhn.community1.org)
2. Click on the ‘Login’ button in the upper right-hand corner of the page.
3. Type in the email address and password that you set up during registration. (Note: If you forgot your password, click “Forgot Password” and follow the instructions sent to your email to reset your password.)
4. Click the ‘Login’ button.
Once you are logged in, the button will say your name. You will be automatically signed out of your account after a period of activity and will need to login each time you visit the webpage.
Step 3: Finding a Project to Adopt
Finding a Project to Adopt
- Login to your volunteer account at nhn.community1.org
- On the Project Search page, you will see a full list of available projects.
3. We recommend you use the advanced search tools at the top of the page to help narrow down your search:
Project Types: Select the check boxes next to the types of projects you have skills or interests in and click ‘Done.’
Neighbor Circumstances: Select the check boxes next to the types of neighbors you are interested in helping, if there is a special group that is close to your heart. Click ‘Done’ when finished.
Zip Codes: Select the check boxes next to the areas of the city you would like to focus on and click ‘Done’ when finished.
Availability: Select the availability of the projects you want to see and click ‘Done’ when finished.
Keyword Search: Use the Keyword Search box to search by name, type of projects, zip code, or project number. Click ‘Search’ once all of your filters are applied to see the results.
3. Project Views: You can use the ‘View by’ options to change the format of the Project Search page.
Grid: The most user-friendly interface and shows the most information in the preview.
List: Shows project information in a concise list. Great for printing!
- Map: Shows the location of projects on a map. Zoom in to your neighborhood to see who needs help near you!
4. Based on your search criteria, a listing of projects and basic details will be displayed. Click on a project listing to review all available project information.
5. Once you have clicked on a project listing, the project page is displayed. It contains the following information:
- Neighbor Information
- Project Information
- Notes/Discussion
- Project Photos
- Map
6. Repeat this process of exploring until you identify a project you would like to adopt.
Step 4: Adopting and Scouting a Project
Adopting and Completing a Project
Once you have found a project that you wish to adopt and complete, the first step you need to take is to use the contact information to call the neighbor to make sure the project is still a need. While you’re on the phone with them, schedule a time to do an initial site visit to get an idea of the scope of the work and materials needed. If the project is simpler and likely will not need a site visit, you can go ahead and schedule a date and time to complete the project that works for both of you. The neighbor should be home and participating in the project as much as they’re able.
If needed, gather the tools, resources, and additional volunteers needed before the date and time you scheduled to complete the project. If you need help planning the materials you need, visit the Resource Center to find a checklist.
Throughout your project, remember that Neighbors Helping Neighbors is intended to be more than just completing projects for people who need help. The projects are just an opportunity to build genuine connections to your neighbors. So, we invite you to use this opportunity to build a relationship with the person or people you are serving. Ask questions, make conversation, listen well, and use this opportunity to meet their physical needs to also address spiritual and emotional needs as well.
Take photos! We appreciate any before, during, and after photos of the project (if applicable) and especially cherish photos of volunteers and neighbors. Always ask neighbors first if they’re okay with being in photos. You can send any project photos to Hannah Wehr.
If you are a person who prays, we invite you to find time to pray for the neighbor while you are working on the project or after it is completed. Affirm people’s faith and even ask them to pray for you, too.
Once the project is completed, return to the Project Management page on the Neighbors Helping Neighbors platform and mark the project ‘Complete.’
You will receive a survey via email to let us know how the project went and what your experience was with the neighbor.
After this, you’re done! Now find another project and love another neighbor.
Feel free to follow up with homeowners after the project is completed—even if you do not complete the project yourself. A simple phone call or invitation to a special event or church function will be a huge blessing. You can also follow-up on something you prayed about or a sick family member or a particularly challenging situation in their lives. You have permission to stay connected!
Step 5: Editing and Completing a Project
Tab Content
Step 6: Post-Project Survey + Storytelling
Post-Project Survey
After you mark a project as ‘Complete’ you will receive a link to a Post-Project Survey in your email. The survey is quick and anonymous and should take you less than two minutes to complete. The data we receive from the survey helps us to be able to report back to our donors, volunteers, neighbors, and constituents to communicate the effectiveness of Neighbors Helping Neighbors.
We also encourage you to share a story about your experience on the last question of the survey. Stories can be about any aspect of your experience with neighbors, good or maybe not so good. We would love to hear about a description of the work done and your perceived impact on the neighbor’s home and life, any special moments you shared, connections you made, or any potentially uncomfortable moments you had.
Your feedback is valuable to us and we would love to hear about your experience! If you did not receive an emailed survey, please reach out to Hannah Wehr.
Your Account and NHN Platform Features
Edit Profile + Alerts
Changing Your Password
Project Dashboard
Project Search Page
Project Management Page
Project Search Wizard
Resource Center
Edit Profile + Alerts
Edit Profile + Alerts
The Edit Profile + Alerts section of the NHN Platform is where you go to edit:
- Contact Information
- Street Address
- Church or Organization Affiliation
- Password
- Project notification preferences based on your skills and interests
The steps below show you how to edit each of these.
- Navigate to nhn.community1.org and login to your volunteer account.
2. Click on your name in the upper right-hand corner of the page to open up the Login Popup window.
3. Select ‘Edit Profile + Alerts’ to open the page.
4. Find the information you are wanting to edit, make the necessary change, and then scroll to the bottom of the page and click ‘Save Changes.’ (Note: if you update your email address on this page, it will also update your login information. You will need to use the updated email address to login.)
You can also use this page to setup Alerts and receive text and email notifications when a project is posted based on your skills and interests. To setup Alerts, follow steps 1-3 above and then continue on to step 1 below:
1. At the top of the Edit Profile + Alerts page, find the button that says ‘Edit Alerts.’
2. Use the toggle on the first tab to select if you want to receive Email notifications, Text message notifications, or both. (Make sure your email address and phone number are correct.)
3. Using the tabs at the top of the pop-up window, select the Project Types and Zip Codes you would like to receive alerts for.
4. Click ‘Save Changes’ and that’s it! You will now receive alerts for new projects that match the project types and zip codes you are interested in serving.
Changing Your Password
Changing Your Password
If you forget your password you use to login to the NHN platform, resetting it is simple! Follow the steps below to reset your password:
1. Navigate to nhn.community1.org and click on the ‘Login’ button in the upper right-hand corner of the page.
2. On the Login window, click on ‘Forgot Password.’
3. Fill in the email address that you used to register with NHN. (If you don’t know which email address you used, please contact Hannah Wehr.)
If an active account exists with that email address, your password was reset and emailed to you.
4. The email you should receive contains the temporary password that you will use to login.
5. Return to the login page, and use your email address and the temporary password to access your account.
You will know the password reset has worked when your name appears in the upper right-hand corner.
After you have successfully reset your password using the temporary one sent to your email, it is a good idea to create a new password on Your Profile. Follow the steps below to update your password:
1. Click on the button that says your name in the upper right-hand corner.
2. Select ‘Edit Profile + Alerts.”
3. Scroll to the bottom of the page to the ‘Change Password’ section, enter in a new password, and click ‘Save Changes’ to save it. This is now the password you will use to login, we recommend writing it down or saving it to your browser.
Project Dashboard
Project Dashboard
The Project Dashboard is the blue drop-down bar at the top of every page on the NHN platform. This dashboard helps you navigate wherever you need to go. So if you get lost on the platform, scroll to the top of the page and find what you are needing in the Project Dashboard.
See some of the features below:
1. Once you login to the NHN platform, a blue bar that says ‘Community One Project Dashboard’ will appear at the top of the page.
2. Click anywhere on the blue bar to expand the dropdown.
3. You will see several buttons on the Dashboard that help you navigate to one of the main sections of the NHN platform.
The ‘Project Search’ button takes you to the main page of the platform with a listing of all projects.
The ‘My Projects’ button is a shortcut that helps you find any projects you’ve Bookmarked, Adopted, or Completed. You can click on any of the project numbers to open up the Project Management Page for that particular project.
The ‘Edit Profile’ button on the right-hand side of the dashboard takes you to the page where you can edit your contact information, church or organization affiliation, alerts, and password.
The ‘Edit Alerts’ button opens a popup that allows you to change your alert preferences for new projects that are posted. For more details on how to set up Alerts, see the “Edit Profile + Alerts’ tab above.
The ‘Resource Center’ page brings you to this page where you can browse topics to find information to improve your experience using the platform to love and serve neighbors.
Project Search Page
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Project Management Page
Tab Content
Project Search Wizard
Tab Content
Resource Center
Tab Content
Tips for Serving and Loving Neighbors
Project Checklist
Tips for a great project
Project safety
Serving with a group
Serving under age 18
Resourcing projects
Background Screening Policy
Project Checklist
Tab Content
Tips for a great project
Tips for a great project
Every project will be a different and new experience. There is no such thing as “the same old thing” when you endeavor to love and serve others.
Every project will have its victorious moments….and some will just be difficult and heartbreaking.
Do your best to meet the obvious physical needs of people while seeking to discover opportunities to offer hope and to embrace their spiritual and emotional needs as well.
Some tips for a great project include:
- Project selection. Consider projects within your skill range, or one that you are confident that you and your volunteers can complete.
- Project preparations. Be thorough in your preparations, fully assessing what tools, materials, volunteers and financial support is needed for the project ahead of time. Visit the Resource Center to find more tips that can help you better prepare for a project.
- Working with volunteers. Some projects may require more hands to complete. Reach out to family, friends, coworkers, neighbors, and other people in your life to find help as needed, or contact Community One’s Neighboring Program Director to connect with other Neighbors Helping Neighbors volunteers.
Be diligent about seeking volunteers—be willing to try out people you’ve never worked with. Communicate as much as you can prior to the project day to allow everyone adequate time to prepare and contribute tools equipment and supplies. Clearly define the go-to person for questions/direction.
When possible, make sure everyone gets to do the part of the project that they enjoy the most and are most gifted for. It could be the work, it could be talking and listening to the homeowner.
- Be very flexible, creative…and loving. Projects often do not go exactly as planned. Be patient and seek solutions that work best for everyone. Above all, be loving.
- Respect the homeowner’s wishes and property. Regardless of its condition, please respect the homeowner’s property as if it was your own.
Make sure they understand and are comfortable with the project steps and outcomes—what’s been mutually agreed to.
You don’t have to do every task they ask you to do, but communicate clearly what you will and will not do.
As a volunteer, you are empowered to proactively assess and adopt projects on our website to accomplish anywhere in the community. Be bold and go for it!
No matter what happens, always leave the homeowner better off than you found them!
Project safety
Project safety
Safety is everyone’s responsibility and part of that responsibility is being aware of the conditions around them and recognizing potential safety issues.
Volunteers must:
- Use the right Personal Protection Equipment (PPE)
- Use the proper tools
- Keep the worksite clean and organized
- Keep an eye on your partners
A Lead Volunteer is responsible for providing the proper PPE and any required training to volunteers in groups. Volunteers should notify the Lead Volunteer of any potential safety issues.
Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) – Ensure that the following PPE is available as needed for all projects:
- Gloves
- Helmets
- Hearing Protection
- Dust masks / Respirators
- Eye Protection
- Appropriate Clothing and Footwear
Important Safety Tips:
- Ensure that Volunteer Liability Waivers are signed prior to starting a project.
- Take breaks throughout the day and drink lots of water.
- Never leave a volunteer at a site without transportation.
- Never leave a volunteer alone.
- Have a first-aid kit available.
- If any volunteer or homeowner is injured or has a severe medical condition during the project, the Lead Volunteer is responsible for immediately notifying the appropriate emergency response agency by CALLING 911.
Tool Responsibility:
- Use ladders not chairs or stools
- Use ladders safely and take them down when not in use
- Correct size pliers and screwdrivers
- Tools in good working condition
- Only adults 18 and older will be allowed to use power tools in the homes
- Experience in operation of power tools
- Always unplug power tools when not in use
Worksite Clean-Up:
- Keep scrap and trash picked up during the project
- Use minimal extension cords, tape down as necessary
- Keep main walkways clear of trash and debris
- Thoroughly clean up after projects
Serving with a group
Serving with a group
To serve as a group, at least one individual must register on the Neighbors Helping Neighbors platform as a volunteer and complete a background screening. This individual will be the lead volunteer and is agreeing to be responsible for managing the project, ensuring project safety, and for collecting and submitting signed waivers from each person participating in the project prior to serving on a project.
Electronic waivers can be found here and should be submitted prior to serving on a project.
Serving under age 18
Serving under age 18
Minors under the age of 18 may participate in age-appropriate projects by serving with a registered volunteer over the age of 18 who is responsible for their safety. Minors must provide a volunteer waiver signed by themselves and a legal guardian before serving on a project. Community One’s online waiver can be found here and must be submitted prior to serving on a project.
Resourcing projects
Resourcing Projects
Neighbors Helping Neighbors volunteers are innovative and bold in their search for financial, physical and volunteer resources to accomplish a project. Sometimes, neighbors will be able to fully or partially cover the cost of materials for their projects, and they appreciate being asked to contribute. If they aren’t able to cover the cost of their project, we encourage you to self-fund as many projects as possible from their own organizational (church, work, civic club, etc.) and personal networks (friends, small group, sports team, etc.).
If needed, reach out to Hannah Wehr to inquire about borrowing tools or sourcing financial or volunteer resources.
Background Screening Policy
Background Screening Policy
In order to protect our neighbors, Community One requires all registered volunteers to complete a background screening before being approved to adopt and complete projects through NHN.
Review Community One’s Background Screening Policy for Volunteers here.
Neighbor Resources
Submitting a project request
After project submission
Project criteria
FAQ
Submitting a project request
Submitting a project request
1. To submit a request, visit community1.org/needaneighbornow
2. Read through the content of the page, ensure your project meets our guidelines, and click the “I’d like to submit a project!” button at the bottom of the page to continue to the next step. IMPORTANT: Projects must be submitted by the neighbor needing assistance, not third parties or referral organizations.
3. Fill out the top section of the page with your contact information, select any circumstances that apply to you, and select an option for how you heard about the program.
4. Next, select the option that most closely fits the Project Type that matches your project and type a short description. (IMPORTANT: You can submit up to 3 projects at one time, each must have their own form submitted.) Select the checkboxes for if you’re able to contribute financially to the project by covering or partially covering the cost of materials and/or physically if you can help with the labor.
5. Select an option from the dropdown menu that describes your Home Occupancy and Home Ownership status. If applicable, you can upload up to 6 photos that may help further describe your project. Finally, read through the License, Waiver & Release of Liability, Terms and Conditions, and Privacy Policy before typing your full name in the box to acknowledge you have read and agree.
Once all of the required fields are completed, the ‘Submit Project’ button will turn a brighter shade of green and you will be able to submit.
6. After your project is submitted, it is reviewed by a staff member to ensure the project is something that volunteers can accomplish, it is located in the zip codes we currently serve, the information is complete and correct, and the project meets our criteria before approving it.
After project submission
After project submission
If the project is something we can make available to volunteers, you will receive an email informing you that your request has been approved and is available for volunteers to adopt and complete.
- Once a project has been approved, volunteers can adopt the project and will contact you by email or phone to arrange a time to meet and complete the project.
- If your project does not meet our criteria, you will receive an email notifying you that your request has been denied and reiterating our project criteria. If you have another request that fits our criteria, you are welcome to return to the site and submit another request.
- We can post up to 3 projects at one time per household. Please only post one request per project.
- Projects expire in 6 months if they are not adopted by volunteers, but you are welcome to return to the website and post them again.
- Because this is a volunteer-based program, we cannot ensure your project will be completed so it is not best suited for emergency repairs. Additionally, projects are not completed in the order they are submitted, so we encourage you to seek other forms of assistance while you wait for a volunteer to adopt your project.
If you have any questions, please email Hannah Wehr or call (812) 213-4240.
Project criteria
Project criteria
What types of projects can I get help with?
Generally speaking, most projects that volunteers can assist with are simple projects that can be easily accomplished by individuals, families, or groups, and do not require special tools, advanced skills, or a long time to complete.
The following projects may be shared by you to request assistance from volunteers.
Around the House
Furniture Assembly
Interior Painting*
Exterior Painting*
Cleaning
Organizing
Gutter Cleanout*
Door Hardware Repair*
Toilet Repair*
Faucet Repair*
Appliance Installation*
Drywall Patch*
Curtain / Shelf Hanging*
Lightbulb Replacement
Bike Repair
Simple Vehicle Repair
Simple Home Repair*
Stair / Handrail Repair*
Grab Bar Installation*
Helping Hand
Technology Assistance
Paperwork Assistance
Prayer / Encouragement
Friendly Phone Call or Visit
Meal Preparation
Errands
Need a Ride
Pickup / Delivery
Moving Assistance
Around the Yard
Yard Cleanup
Yard Mowing
Leaf Raking
Landscaping Projects*
Snow Removal
Yard Barn Repair*
Fence Repairs*
Major Home Repairs
From time-to-time, and as funding permits, we are able to complete the Major Home Repair projects listed below. These projects are accepted on a limited basis because they require extensive funding and licensed contractors to complete.
- Roof Repair / Replacement*
- Furnace (HVAC) Repair / Replacement*
- Accessibility Ramp Construction*
*Deeded ownership of the home is required for these projects
Important Project Guidelines
The following guidelines apply to Neighbors Heling Neighbors projects:
- Projects must be submitted by the neighbor actually requesting the assistance. We do not share projects entered by referral organizations or third parties.
- Only projects within Evansville, IN zip codes are accepted.
- Because we are unable to do alterations on a home without the permission of the owner, the projects listed above marked with an asterisk (*) require you to be the deeded owner of the home in order to be considered.
- Because this is a volunteer-based program, we cannot ensure your project will be completed so it is not best suited for emergency repairs. Also, projects are not completed in the order they are submitted, so we encourage you to seek other forms of assistance while you wait for a volunteer to adopt your project.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Who does Community One’s Neighbors Helping Neighbors Program serve?
We serve residents of the Evansville area (collectively called “Neighbors”). Some projects may require that the resident owns and lives in their home.
Neighbors must also:
- Have a genuine need for assistance and are unable to accomplish or fully pay for the project.
- Be willing to release Community One and volunteers from liability by signing a waiver.
- Actively communicate with our team and volunteers, promptly returning phone calls and emails.
- Be present during site visits and during the project.
- Participate in project physically and support the project financially as you are able.
What is your role in the project?
As the neighbor requesting help with a project, it is expected that you will actively communicate with our team and volunteers, promptly returning phone calls and emails. We also expect you to be present during any site visits and during the project itself, and physically assist with the project as you are able.
We also ask that you participate financially by providing funds to cover the cost of materials for your project, if you are able.
Who is paying for my project?
Community One is a local, privately-funded nonprofit organization. We are not government funded. We privately raise all of the funds that are used to pay for projects, and rely on neighbors like you to offset the cost of materials for projects.
Most Neighbors Helping Neighbors projects are intended to be completed for low- to no-cost. While some volunteers may be able to raise money for your project through their churches and community connections, it is not required of them to do so.
Because funding is limited, we also ask you to consider contributing financially to your project, if you are able.
There is no set fee or mandatory payment. We simply ask that you help us serve more people by making a charitable donation to Community One, as you are able.
Who will be working on my project?
It is likely that your project will be accomplished by community volunteers who are registered on the Neighbors Helping Neighbors platform. All registered volunteers have been vetted through a background screening process.
When will my project be completed?
We simply do not know. The Neighbors Helping Neighbors program is volunteer-based, meaning there are not staff members who are paid to complete projects. Volunteers are able to select projects from our website based on their skills, resources, and time available.
Because we cannot guarantee that your project will be completed, we highly recommend that you continue to look for other assistance.
How many Neighbors Helping Neighbors projects can I request help with?
You are allowed to have three project requests submitted on the Neighbors Helping Neighbors platform at one time. If not completed within six months, your projects will expire off of our website, but you are welcome to submit your project for consideration again.
Additional Topics
Who is my neighbor?
How do I love my neighbor?
Practicing love
Acknowledging people
Asking questions + listening well
Praying with boldness
Following up
Who is my neighbor?
Who is my neighbor?
In the Great Commandment passage, Jesus clearly defines who our neighbors are in the parable of the good Samaritan.
Our neighbor is not just the person living next door. Jesus uses words that indicate that he is referring to a larger, regional population of people. And of those people, our neighbor is the one who is near… the one that we encounter as we move around in our daily lives.
Through the use of parable, Jesus also defines our neighbor as the person who needs us—the person who needs our mercy and compassion like the man beaten and left on the road.
The people that need us are our neighbors—people that have been stripped of dignity by poverty and beaten down by life and left to fend for themselves.
They are our neighbors and we are theirs. We are called to love them as ourselves.
How do I love my neighbor?
How do I love my neighbor?
Community One exists to transform our city and contribute to the flourishing of its people by empowering neighbors to love their neighbors. Through this, not only do we see homes and lives restored, but we see hope renewed in our city.
Our work brings us very close to people—into their very homes—where this challenging yet fruitful work unfolds in life-on-life moments with people who are living with the heavy-heartedness of having needs they cannot meet. It can be a hard and lonely place.
Mother Teresa once said:
“Being unwanted, unloved, uncared for, forgotten by everybody, I think that is a much greater hunger, a much greater poverty than the person who has nothing to eat.”
Neighbors Helping Neighbors is one simple way to forge words and works into a delivery system for love…and love brings hope.
And hope is at the heart of the perseverance that sustains people when all other resources have been exhausted.
How do you love your neighbor as yourself? You’ll know what to do if you simply answer this question when you encounter a neighbor in need:
“If I were in their shoes, and I had the resources that I have, what would I do for myself?”
Answer that question, and you’ve got your plan. Across our city, right now, there are dozens of neighbors reaching out to you for help. Ask God to give the courage to act on it!
Practicing love
Practicing love
You are a called and commissioned ambassador for the Kingdom of Heaven, bringing the very presence of God to the people of our city.
Your very willingness to help someone may be the greatest single act of love a person or family has experienced for years. Be bold, be courageous and make the most of this very unique opportunity to love your neighbor as yourself.
Practical expressions of love for people is uncommon in a harsh world, and may even be surprising to some. But loving people enough to help them may very well lead to deeper discussions about the author of love Himself, Jesus Christ.
We encourage you to practice love through simple acts like acknowledging people, asking questions and listening, and praying for them.
Acknowledging people
Acknowledging people
One of the greatest acts of love is simply to acknowledge someone’s personhood. Every human being is a treasured son or daughter of the Most High God—created in His image to be reconciled to Him.
When you are meeting or working with people:
- Look them in the eye.
- Shake hands and touch appropriately (back pat, hug, etc.)
- Learn their name and use it.
- Treat everyone with dignity and respect, like a friend and a neighbor.
- Discover and share things you have in common.
- Be gentle, like Jesus. Be firm, like Jesus.
- Do and say all things in love.
Asking questions + listening well
Asking questions + listening well
While you are meeting their physical needs by working on their project, it is also important to be a good neighbor by caring for their emotional and spiritual needs, as well. This comes in the form of conversation: asking questions, and listening well.
If they’re open, ask about their family, what they do, if they have hobbies, what their passions are. An easy icebreaker is to ask how long they’ve lived in the home/apartment and if they’re from the area originally. Ask questions and listen to understand, not simply to respond.
If faith compels you to serve, be bold about explaining that it’s God’s love for them that is your inspiration for serving. You might say:
“It’s my pleasure to help you with this project, and I/we will do our best to help you with your home. But more importantly, I want to pray for you and invite God to bless you—can I pray for you? Is there anything specific that I can pray about?”
After you ask…listen!
Listening to people is a way of valuing them and validating them. Once you have asked someone what you can pray about, listen closely to their response and be sure to include it in your prayer.
Ask for, remember and use first names often.
The needs that people express may also lead to clues about other needs they may have that your church or ministry or another nonprofit can help them with.
Praying with boldness
Praying with boldness
There’s really no way to script praying for people. Depending on your level of comfort with praying for people, this could be a very simple and short prayer or it could be something that the Holy Spirit leads into a deeper moment.
Just put your hand on the person’s shoulder (ask first) and you can use the B.L.E.S.S prayer model as a guide:
- B – Body: Pray for good health, protection, and strength.
- L – Labor: Fray for their work experience and their financial security
- E – Emotional: Pray for emotional health and a good quality of life; for joy, peace, hope.
- S – Social: Pray for their relationships with their family and friends.
- S – Spiritual: Pray for their salvation, that they will come to faith in Jesus Christ
- Thank God for the day and opportunity to serve and love neighbors.
*B.L.E.S.S prayer model is adopted from “5 Blessings” by Alvin VanderGriend.
Following up
Following up
Feel free to follow up with homeowners after the project is completed—even if you do not complete the project yourself.
A simple phone call or invitation to a special event or church function will be a huge blessing. You can also follow-up on something you prayed about or a sick family member or a particularly challenging situation in their lives.
You have permission to stay connected!