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How to Ask for Help

A simple guide to help you effectively organize your outreach.

Using social media to ask for help may feel new, but it’s a powerful tool for reaching out to friends, family, and community members.

CAT’s Self-Help Home Repair Program is designed to support you in making essential repairs and improvements to your home.

Through this program, you’ll gain access to funding and technical guidance. While the hands-on work will be done by you and the volunteers you recruit, our resources and support will be here every step of the way. This packet includes everything you need to confidently reach out to friends and family, schedule tasks, and track your progress.

We’re here to help you take charge of your project with the support of family, friends, and your community. This packet provides you with the tools, templates, and resources needed to organize your project, ask for assistance, and bring your vision to life.

Step 1 – Make a List

Our forms and checklists help you brainstorm your support.

Step 2 – Write Your Ask

Craft your posts, messages, and letters to mobilize your people.

Step 3 – Reach Out!

Craft your posts, messages, and letters to mobilize your people.

Step 4 – Follow Up

Remember, feeling exposed or discouraged is normal.

Step 5 – Get Commitments & Make It Happen!

Step 6 – Say Thank You!

WORKING EDITS & NOTES

  • meal train inspired scheduling app on CAT website.
  • PRINT VERSION
  • Add language explaining to give volunteers a sense of the timeline and requirements of volunteering when PMs developing SCOPE and communicate it to client.

By following these steps below, you can make the most out of social media to connect with your community and build support for your project.

Project Checklists and Templates

Keeping track of each person who offers to help is essential to a successful project. This checklist will help you stay organized and ensure that volunteers feel valued.

Initial Outreach

Write down each person’s name and planned contact date (see the Volunteer Outreach Planning Form for tracking).

Once you send the first message or post, check the box next to “Initial Message Sent.”

Follow-Up Communication

If someone doesn’t respond right away, follow up after a few days with a friendly reminder. 

Example message:

“Hi [Name], I wanted to check back in about helping with [task]. Let me know if you’re available!”

Confirmation

Once a person confirms they’re able to help, add their scheduled date and time.

Confirm the day before to ensure they remember the details.

After Project Completion

Send a thank-you message to each volunteer after they’ve helped. Sample message:

“Thank you so much, [Name]! Your help with [task] made a big difference. I couldn’t have done it without you!”

If you used social media to ask for help, consider posting a general thank-you update to share the progress with everyone who contributed.

By following these steps, you’ll keep your project on track and foster a positive experience for everyone involved.

Message Variations

  1. Community Support

“Hey friends, I’m working on a home project and could use some extra hands! I’ve received support through a self-help housing program to make repairs, but now I need some help from my community to finish up. If anyone has a few hours to spare, it would make a huge difference! Feel free to message me if you can pitch in. Thanks so much!”

  1. Learning Opportunity

“Do you love learning new skills or want to get more hands-on with home projects? I’m working on ________________________ and would love some help! I’ll share what I’ve learned along the way, and it’s a fun opportunity to pick up new skills. Let me know if you’re interested!”

  1.  Mutual Exchange

“Hi everyone! I could use a hand with some home repairs, and I’d love to exchange skills! If anyone is available to help with ________________________ , I’d be happy to return the favor with something I can do for you. Let me know if you’d be up for a trade!”

  1. Shared Accomplishment

“Looking to be part of a rewarding project? I’m repairing my home through a self-help program, and I’m looking for a few friends to help out with ________________________ . Let’s make it a team effort and celebrate together when it’s done!”

  1. Good Company

“Hey friends! I’ll be working on ________________________ soon, and I could use some company and helping hands. I’ll have snacks and drinks for everyone who joins in. Let’s make it a fun, productive day!”

  1. Quick Help Needed

“Got an hour or two this weekend? I’m tackling some home repairs through a self-help program and could use a bit of extra help to wrap it up! If you’re free, even for a short time, I’d really appreciate it. Just comment below or send me a message!”

  1.  Making a Difference

“Friends, I’m working hard to make my home a safer and more comfortable space. I’ve been given an incredible opportunity to do this through a housing program, and I’m looking for help from people who want to make a positive impact. Message me if you’d like to get involved!”

  1.  Skill Builders

“Any DIYers out there? I’m working on ________________________ and would love some extra hands from those who enjoy building and hands-on projects. This is a great way to practice new skills. Let me know if you’d be interested in helping out!”

  1.  Social Day

“I’m planning a work day to fix up my home and could use some help from my friends! Think of it like a social gathering with a purpose. If you’re free and want to spend a day helping out (with snacks and good company!), please let me know!”

  1.  Personal Goal

“I’m excited to be making much-needed improvements to my home, but I need a little help to reach the finish line. If anyone is able to lend a hand with ________________________ , it would mean so much to me. Just a few hours of your time could make a big difference!”

Personal Message Variations

  1. Friend-to-Friend Favor

“Hey ________________________ , hope you’re well! I’m working on a home project and thought of you because I know you’re handy with ________________________ . I’d love your help if you have a couple of hours to spare. Thanks so much for considering it!”

  1. Social Gathering

“Hi ________________________ ! I’m organizing a small workday for a home project and thought it would be fun to get some friends together for a productive day. I’d love for you to join if you’re available—it’ll be a relaxed day with snacks and good company. Let me know if you’re interested!”

  1. Your Expertise Needed

“Hey [Name], I’m working on ________________________ , and I know you’ve got a real knack for this kind of work! I could really use your expertise, even just for an hour or two. Let me know if you’re available—it would mean so much to me!”

  1. Learning Together

“Hi ________________________ ! I’m doing some DIY work on my house and thought it might be fun for us to work on it together. I know you’re interested in learning more about [skill], so I thought this could be a good experience for us both. Let me know if you’re up for it!”

  1. Quick Favor

“Hey ________________________ , I know this is last minute, but I’m working on [task] and need just an extra pair of hands for a little while. It shouldn’t take long—maybe an hour or two. Let me know if you’re free!”

  1. Inspiring Change

“Hi ________________________ , I wanted to reach out because I’m making some big improvements at home through a self-help program. I’m hoping to make a difference for my family, and your help would mean a lot. Let me know if you’re able to join in!”

  1. Neighborly Support

“Hey ________________________ ]! I could use a little help with a home project, and I thought I’d reach out to my neighbors first. I’m working on [project], and a couple of extra hands would be such a boost. Let me know if you’re around—it’s greatly appreciated!”

  1. Helping for Good Cause

“Hi ________________________ , I wanted to ask if you’d be willing to help out with a home project I’m doing through a self-help housing program. It’s an opportunity to make my space safer, and any help from friends would be amazing. Let me know if you’re available!”

  1. A Fun Challenge

“Hey [Name]! I’m working on a pretty challenging home project, and I immediately thought of you because I know you love tackling these things! I’d be so grateful for your help if you’re up for a fun challenge. Let me know if you’d like to pitch in!”

  1. Future Trade

“Hi ________________________ ! I’m working on a project and could use some extra help. I thought I’d reach out because I’d be happy to return the favor with [specific skill or offer]. If you have some time, I’d really appreciate it, and I’d love to return the help whenever you need!”

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