History of Memphis Habitat's Youth United Program

Habitat for Humanity of Greater Memphis' Youth United program was founded in 2007 when a student at St. Mary's School challenged 10 local schools to raise $55,000 to build a Habitat house. Following that successful build, Youth United was officially chartered in Memphis. In March 2008, ten area schools, churches, businesses and organizations raised $30,000 and built half of a Habitat house. In May 2009, the first full Youth Build house was dedicated when Youth United raised $36,000 and its partners, BBYO and MeFTY, raised $30,000. In June 2010, Youth United completed its fourth Youth Build and immediately began preparations for the fifth annual Youth Build, which began in Spring 2011. Thanks to a three-year partnership with CBHS senior Conner Nix, Youth United was able to raise more than $32,000 to help build the home of Precious Thompson. To read more about Conner's program, click here.

Plans are now underway for the sixth annual Youth Build. Youth United's goal is to raise $70,000 to build an entire home. To join the efforts, contact Crystel Hardin at chardin@memphishabitat.com. Schools, churches and groups who have pledged fundraising support for the Youth United Build will get top priority on volunteer days and shifts. Groups may pledge money until the first week of May. All donations are due in May. Download the pledge form here.

The 2011 Youth Build participating schools and youth groups were:

Bolton High School National Honor Society* Appling Middle School* St. Agnes Academy* Germantown High School* Houston High School* State Farm Insurance* White Station High School

Conner Nix/Hockey for Humanity Bolton High School Volunteer Club* Bike and Build* Briarcrest Christian School* University of Memphis* The Avenue Carriage Crossing*

The 2010 Youth Build participating schools, churches and youth groups were:

Bolton High School National Honor Society* St. Agnes Academy* Church of the Holy Spirit* Germantown High School* Memphis Health Careers Academy* White Station High School*

Bolton High School Volunteer Club* Bike and Build* Faith Presbyterian Church* Houston High School* Raleigh-Egypt High School* Word of Faith Christian Academy*

The 2009 Youth Build participating schools, churches and youth groups were:

Memphis Federation of Temple Youth* Bolton High School* St. Agnes Academy* Church of the Holy Spirit* St. George's Independent School - Germantown* University of Memphis* Mount Pisgah Girl Scout Troop* Memphis University School Hutchison School

BBYO* State Farm Insurance* Bike and Build* Houston High School* Germantown High School* Memphis Health Careers Academy* New Foundation Baptist Church* Renasant Bank* St Mary's Episcopal School Arlington High School