Volunteering with OTR Community Housing
Volunteer Sign Up
For more information about the volunteer programs or to sign up contact the volunteer coordinator (513) 381-1171.
Volunteer Programs:
Saturday Crew | Saturday Crew Leader | Skilled Volunteer | Other
Saturday Volunteering General
The Saturday Volunteer program has two main objectives:(1) educate the boarder community about Over-the-Rhine and social issues including poverty, affordable housing, and racism; and
(2) provide direct service opportunities that execute a variety of tasks for OTR Community Housing including apartment demolition, renovation, and maintenance.
Saturday crew
Saturday crew is a great way to get to know OTR Community Housing and the Over the Rhine Neighborhood a little better.
Each Saturday from 9 am -12:30 pm 10-25 volunteers perform a variety of tasks including, yard work; litter control & pick-up; sweeping and mopping halls; and minor construction and demolition work.
Saturday crew is open to all individuals 14 years and older. Group volunteering is encouraged because it is fun to volunteer with friends.
Volunteers should wear work clothes suitable to the outdoor weather. All the tools and supplies needed for the different projects are provided by OTR Community Housing.
Although we do not provide lunch, groups are welcome to eat lunch at the Drop Inn Center. If your group is interested in the meal just let the volunteer coordinator know when you sign up to volunteering.
Saturday Crew Leader
Experienced Saturday Volunteers, who have volunteered at least 3 times prior, may apply to be Saturday Crew Leaders. Crew Leaders will be given a specific task and responsibility over small group of volunteers. Saturday Crew Leaders provide the extra leadership necessary in making Saturday Crew run smoothly.
Crew Leaders must be interviewed and attend at least one orientation and training that OTR Community Housing provides.
Skilled Volunteer
Skilled Maintenance Volunteers are individuals with experience in home repair and construction that are willing to provide assistance with general home improvement and repairs through out the year.
Skilled volunteers provide necessary maintenance assistance and supervision for renovation projects outside of everyday maintenance.
Other Programs
The Adopt an Apartment Program began in 2003 as a way to engage dedicated volunteer groups in larger renovation projects. Moeller High School, Elder High School, St. Xavier High School, Xavier University, and Miami University were the volunteer groups that participated and completed renovation of a total of 5 apartments. The groups put a huge amount of time and energy into fundraising and rehabbing the apartments.
You too can become involved in the Adopt an Apartment Program. Call us at 513-381-1171 to learn how.
Miami University - Design Build/ Center for Community Engagement
Become a partner with OTRCH and Miami University student architects!
A new 3-unit development at 530 E. 13th Street continues a decade-long partnership between Miami University's Architecture Studio and OTRCH. MU students help in the revitalization of Over-the-Rhine by transforming apartments, houses and storefronts with innovative solutions for more space and amenities. In the past, the work of these students has been supported in part by grants from Home Depot. They've received rave reviews from residents, architects and contractors. You can learn more about their work at www.fna.muohio.edu/otr.
We'd like you to join this exciting partnership! The first townhouse is complete and occupied and construction is underway on the second. Gross rents range from $450-$600. The current project combines 2nd and 3rd story units into a single split-level townhouse suitable for a family. When complete, the unit will provide three-bedrooms and 2,000 sq. feet including family room, kitchen, and a spacious terrace. The total cost of the renovation is $74,430. We've already secured: $54,600 and need $19,830 to finish the job. Another need is for SPACE HEATERS so we can work through the winter. Your partnership in this unique program can provide two benefits: a beautiful restoration and a sense of civic responsibility, social justice and equity in these future architects.