You don’t have to have any experience. Never painted trim? No problem! Afraid of looking silly? Not a chance! Unsure about power tools? We’ll teach you! Our staff will teach you everything you need to know for your build day.
Habitat provides all of the tools, PPE (personal protective equipment), and build materials. You may bring personal items like work gloves and a tool belt, but we recommend you leave your tools at home and we will provide OSHA approved Hard Hats. Please watch this safety video to learn more about how to prepare for your build day!
A volunteer shift on the Habitat build site is roughly 6.5 hours. A typical timeline of the day looks like this:
8:45 a.m.: You arrive to the build site!
9:00 a.m.: Orientation, safety briefing and project assignment.
9:15 a.m.: Let’s build!
12:00 p.m.: Lunch time
12:30 p.m.: Suit up and let’s get back at it.
3:00 p.m.: Find a good stopping point and begin site clean up.
3:30 p.m.: Time to hang your hard hat or paint brush!
*From Memorial Day to Labor Day our schedule starts one hour earlier. The day will begin at 7:45am and end at 2:30pm
Projects and wrap up are subject to change. Please arrive on time and stay for the entirety of your shift for the best experience. If you do need to leave early, please let the site supervisor know before you go.
If you need to cancel your registration, please do so by logging into your VolunteerHub account
What is a typical workday like?
Summer Hours (Memorial Day-Labor Day): 7:45 am-2:30 pm with a break for lunch from 11:30-12:00.
Fall, Winter, Spring Hours (Labor Day-Memorial): 8:45 am-3:30 pm with a break for lunch at 12:00-12:30 **Please do not arrive earlier than 7:45/8:45. The staff will be setting up for the day and will not be ready for volunteers. If your group wishes to meet earlier, please gather near the parking area for discussion then walk to the build site at the appropriate time.
What specifically will I be doing?
Our construction schedule varies depending on weather conditions and the unpredictable pace of building with a volunteer labor force. We will let you know in advance a general description of work you’ll be doing. Whether you are framing, hanging drywall, painting, installing siding, finish work, site cleanup or landscaping; every task contributes to our mission of selling a safe, decent and affordable place to live to out Homebuyers.
What should I bring to the job site?
All tools and safety equipment will be provided, though we encourage you to bring your own work gloves, safety glasses, tool belt and hand tools if you have them. Please bring a reusable water bottle, there will be a large water jug for dispensing. Don’t forget to pack a lunch! Bring salty snacks and a sport drink with your lunch during the summer heat. Habitat will not be responsible for your personal property so leave any valuables at home and consider leaving your cell phone in the car.
What should I wear to the job site?
Closed toe shoes are required or you will be asked to change. Boots are recommended, but any thick sole shoe will do. Barring extreme weather, we usually work rain or shine. In the summer, you may wear shorts, but keep in mind it is an active build site and you may get cuts and scrapes. Lightweight breathable sleeved shirts and long pants can protect from scrapes, scratches, and sunburns during the summer. In colder weather, be sure to dress in layers, prepared for both indoor and outdoor work.
What should I do when I arrive?
When you arrive, you will be asked to sign in, provide emergency contact information, and make yourself a name tag. If you haven’t done so in advance online, you will also be asked to complete a liability waiver. Once volunteers are signed in, we will give a brief orientation about the project and then introduce you to the construction staff who will break you into groups to accomplish the various tasks scheduled for the day.
What happens if there’s bad weather?
With the exception of severe weather, we usually work rain or shine. Safety is always our first concern. If you are volunteering as part of a group, the Volunteer Coordinator (VC) will be in communication with your group’s leader with updates. The VC will contact any individual directly, typically via text, if there are any cancellations. Individuals and others in doubt can always call the VC you have been in touch with.
What are the hours?
Due to our ambitious affordable home building goals, we request all volunteers work the full 6.5 hour shift. This will allow our construction staff time to train volunteers in the morning on the day’s task and have them carry it out in full during the afternoon. If you cannot make this full time frame, please contact the VM in advance. There may be other opportunities – we need you!
Thank you for volunteering with us!
For more information visit our COVID-19 Safety Policy
