Our Volunteer Engagement and Giving team is proud to offer a variety of volunteer opportunities for our Rocket Companies team members – from group volunteering to virtual and in-person experiences, there’s something for everyone. One of our most popular volunteer opportunities is the Resident Connection Hub (RCH), which we created to tie threads with our mission to ensure that every American has access to safe and stable housing. And because it’s a virtual volunteer experience, team members across the country can volunteer at their convenience.
Volunteering with the Resident Connection Hub affords team members the unique opportunity to work directly with Detroit residents through a phone-based outreach program developed by the Rocket Community Fund and operated through our partners at Wayne Metro. Through the RCH platform, we connect residents who might be qualified for Detroit’s property tax exemption with resources to prevent displacement. Ultimately that means our team member volunteers play an important role in keeping residents in their homes!
In 2020, we pivoted our approach to the Resident Connection Hub to better support residents with both critical housing and COVID resources. Since then, we’ve redirected our efforts towards ensuring Detroiters have the information they need to stay in their homes – so scheduling HOPE appointments is the primary focus of the volunteer event. That’s also why RCH is so important. We are always adapting the platform to meet the most pressing needs of the community.
Resident Connection Hub Creates “Repeat Volunteers”
In 2023, we had 232 unique volunteers making calls for RCH – many of whom, like Demetria Anderson and Trina Robertson – have volunteered with the platform multiple times.
“Volunteering with the Resident Connection Hub was one of the most fulfilling volunteer events I’ve ever done at Rocket Mortgage,” said Demetria Anderson. “It was a little intimidating at first, but after a few calls I got the hang of it. Once I had my first meaningful conversation with a homeowner and I could hear the relief in her voice, a certain sense of joy came over me. After that I was ready for the world!” Trina Robertson agreed. “Having meaningful dialogue with those in our community and hearing the gratitude from the person I’m helping, that really added value to the work I do every day,” she said.
Passionate Volunteer Turned RCH Program Manager
Rachel Ableser, our Program Manager who leads the Resident Connection Hub initiative, felt the same way. In fact, it’s the reason she joined the Rocket Community Fund team in 2022. A rockstar volunteer, Rachel has worked in various roles at Rocket Mortgage since 2013. She loved volunteering with the Resident Connection Hub so much that was doing it nearly every week!
When the Rocket Community Fund Housing team opened a role to formally lead the program, Rachel knew she had found her self-described ‘dream job.’ “Serving Detroiters by this outreach has allowed me to connect with the people that make this city amazing,” she said. “There is nothing more rewarding than talking to someone who is truly thankful for your call.”
Today, RCH is one of our most important programs supporting our housing stability work – with the added benefit of providing a special volunteer experience for Rocket Companies team members.
