Let’s stay connected
Sign up for the monthly Habitat GSF newsletter to stay in touch and keep up to date on affordable homebuilding and homeownership in San Francisco, San Mateo & Marin counties.
About Our Playhouse Build Program
Our mission is to build and sustain affordable homeownership for local, lower income families in the Bay Area. We do this by building new, affordable homes for ownership and preserving existing homes to stem displacement. Another service we provide to these same families in our community is through our Playhouse Build Program. As with all our programs, Playhouse Build brings our community together. Local companies, volunteers, families and community organizations are all connected through this program.
Volunteers come together to build and decorate these hand-crafted playhouses, whether as community volunteers or through their company, these beautiful playhouses are then donated to local families and community organizations.
Become a Playhouse Recipient
We’re ramping up our Playhouse Build Program, so we want to make sure we find great homes for all the playhouses! Get in touch to add yourself to the list so you can get a free, one-of-kind, hand-made and designed playhouse. And you get to pick your design!
If you have a childcare facility in San Francisco, San Mateo or Marin county that provides services for lower-income families and are in need of a playhouse, please get in touch! The playhouses are free and you can select the design of your choice!
Email us to get started: [email protected]
Playhouses are made of sturdy plywood and measure approximately 60″ long by 60″ wide. Please be sure you have an appropriate sized space to accommodate your new playhouse.
Arrange to pick up your playhouse, it will need assembly and we provide full instructions and all of the pieces you need. Be prepared to pick up and transport 2 roof panels (67″x32″), 2 side walls (59″x48″) and 2 end walls (60″x51″): cargo vans and pick up trucks can accommodate the playhouse panels.
Ways to Volunteer
Our Playhouse Build Program is a fun and meaningful way to volunteer with friends and colleagues. This program supports our efforts to build affordable homes and sustain homeownership. It provides various volunteering opportunties to build, just on a smaller scale! And the best part is the finished playhouses go to local children.See below the different ways to get involved with the Playhouse Build Program as a volunteer. No experience necessary!
For more information on how to arrange a playhouse build, please email us at [email protected] or see our FAQs below.
To get in touch with our team or learn more about our Playhouse Build Program please email us at: [email protected]
Frequently asked Questions
Why do you make these?
There are many ways for us to help support our community. Through the Playhouse Build Program, we are able to provide handcrafted and unique playhouses to local children, and we can provide meaningful opportunities to volunteers who may not be available for a full day of new home construction. All proceeds from the Playhouse Build Program go into our affordable homeownership mission.
Do you sell the playhouses?
We don’t sell the playhouses, we donate them to local families or facilities that serve children in the region.
Who receives the playhouses?
Within the counties of San Francisco, Marin and San Mateo, playhouses are donated to local nonprofits, children’s services including childcare and mental health facilities, faith communities, and families of military servicemen and women and first responders.
How do I receive a playhouse?
To see if you’re eligible to receive a playhouse, or for more partnership information, please contact [email protected]
What are the requirements for volunteering?
There are three ways to volunteer for Habitat GSF’s Playhouse Program: 1. Sponsor a Build 2. Prep playhouse kits in our warehouse 3. Assist staff in guiding groups during playhouse builds. Whichever way you choose to participate, no prior experience is required! All volunteers must be at least 16 years old.
Can volunteer groups build more than one playhouse at a build?
Sponsoring groups can build up to 5 playhouses in our warehouse. For larger groups, the build would have to be planned at another, larger location.
How long are volunteer shifts?
Playhouse volunteer shifts are usually 3-4 hours (this is a shorter volunteer shift than home repair and new construction volunteering, which is typically a 7-hour day.)
Does Habitat GSF provide all of the tools and materials?
Yes. We will provide all tools, materials, and training for groups.
Will Habitat GSF staff be on site?
Yes. Habitat staff members will be on site to lead and instruct the build day.