Behrend Builders
Our award-winning volunteer program was established to meet the critical needs of Washington’s low-income housing community and to supplement DC’s over-extended social service agencies. Behrend Builders engages volunteers in repairing, rebuilding, and renovating low-income homes, shelters, schools, and community centers.
Training is provided on-site and experienced Program Managers supervise all projects. No skills or previous renovation experience is necessary.
Volunteering with Behrend Builders is an amazing learning experience. Behrend volunteers learn valuable construction skills and have the opportunity to explore and engage with social justice issues.
Behrend Builders operates throughout the year providing one-day or longer-term projects for groups of volunteers. Behrend Builders has established close relationships with non-profit social service agencies throughout the city that rely on Behrend Builders to provide necessary renovation and repair services.
Upcoming Behrend Builders Events
December 25th Day of Service (D25) is the Edlavitch DCJCC’s largest volunteer event of the year. Join over 1,000 volunteers at a social service agency in the metro-DC area to prepare and serve meals, sing carols, visit home-bound seniors, throw holiday parties, play bingo, and deliver holiday cheer to those in need.
This year, while the EDCJCC building is undergoing renovation, the Hyatt Regency will be D25’s home base. Several ways to give back will be available on-site at the Hyatt Regency, including our Winter Blood Drive, making instant meal kits, creating cards for emergency personnel working on Christmas Day, and many others. Registration and check-in will also take place at the Hyatt Regency this year.
Many of the projects are family-friendly – please read individual project descriptions carefully for the minimum age to volunteer at each site.
The Edlavitch DCJCC embraces inclusion in all its programs and activities. We welcome and encourage the participation of all people, regardless of their background, sexual orientation, abilities, or religion, including interfaith couples and families.