little houses build big houses
The Playhouse Project is a unique opportunity for Lake-Geauga Habitat for Humanity to partner with sponsors to build a playhouse for a local family in need. The playhouse provides children with a safe place to play and imagine what home means to them. Funds raised go toward building new houses right here in Lake and Geauga Counties.
Engage in team building and make a profound difference in a child's life.
Get your company, faith group, family/friends, or other organization involved in Habitat's mission by sponsoring a child's playhouse! Lake-Geauga Habitat for Humanity will match you with a local family in need and provide a list of family interests that will help you design a one-of-a-kind playhouse that will be given to the family at no cost.
There are two options for sponsorship:
Build at your location ($3,000) or at our Eastlake ReStore ($2,500). Bring your team of 8-12 volunteers to participate in a playhouse build. A playhouse build is a fun and dynamic construction and team-building experience that any group can enjoy while partnering with Lake-Geauga Habitat for Humanity.
To build a Playhouse, a company or organization will spend about 5-6 hours with 8-12 team members assembling the playhouse kit, which includes the equipment, instructions, and guidance throughout your day.
Finally, the playhouse you build is gifted to a deserving Lake or Geauga County family. You will receive information on the child you are building for, so you can design the theme based on their interests! You can also bring any stickers, decals, stencils, or exact colors you want to include in your design.
When the sawdust settles at the end of the day, teams will present the completed playhouse to their assigned family and experience the joy and excitement as the child sees their new playhouse!
Please visit our Q&A at the bottom of this page for important information for playhouse recipients and sponsors.
PLAYHOUSE PROJECT INTEREST FORM
Playhouse Project
q&A for Recipients
Is my application to receive a playhouse guaranteed to be accepted?
While we cannot guarantee acceptance, we review all applications thoroughly. If your application is not selected for the upcoming sponsor's build, it will remain in consideration for future opportunities.
What is my responsibility in getting my playhouse to my house?
Playhouse recipients are required to arrange and manage the transportation of their new playhouse to their property.
When should I have to arrive to pick up my playhouse with my child(ren)?
You and your children need to be present at the playhouse build for the big reveal, which happens at the end of the day. Typically, around 3:00 PM, but this time will vary for each build and you'll be informed of when to arrive. Our sponsors work hard all day to build your playhouse, and seeing the joy on your children's faces when they see their new playhouse for the first time is the highlight for everyone involved!
How much does the Playhouse cost my family?
Playhouse recipients receive the playhouse for FREE! However, if you're accepted into the program, you'll provide a refundable $50 deposit. The deposit will be retuned when you arrive to pick up your new playhouse.
Playhouse Project
q&A for Sponsors
Who can sponsor a playhouse?
Playhouses can be sponsored by church groups, companies, other non-profits—any group!
How many volunteers should I recruit to build a playhouse?
You should recruit 8-12 volunteers. Your team will engage in team-building activities such as reading the playhouse manual, practicing great communication skills, teamwork, patience, and having fun!
Why should my team sponsor a playhouse?
Sponsoring a playhouse is a meaningful way to support Habitat's mission and make a positive impact in your community. By sponsoring, you’ll contribute to a unique and personalized playhouse for a local family in need, creating lasting joy for a child and building stronger community connections through team-building and volunteerism.
How long does it take to build a playhouse?
Typically, it takes about 6 hours to build a playhouse, including a lunch break.
How creative can we get with our playhouse decorations?
You can get as creative as you like with your playhouse decorations! You will receive a summary of the recipient family's application, including the children's ages, interests, and abilities, allowing you to customize the playhouse to suit their preferences. Some sponsors go "all out" with elaborate and imaginative decorations. While we provide basic colors for the playhouse, any additional decorations are the sponsor’s responsibility.
