Volunteer

 

No matter what you like to do, there’s a place for you to volunteer at Habitat for Humanity!

 

• Do you like to build or remodel things, and see immediate results? Come to work on our construction job sites!  See below for our Construction Volunteer FAQ.
• Can you coach, mentor, and be a friend to families preparing to become homeowners?  Consider being a Family Partner!
• Do you want to help select the next deserving family?          Join our Family Selection Committee!
• Got a creative flair? Help plan and carry out a special event!
• Are you good with numbers?  Join our Finance Committee!
• Are you a "big picture" planner and strategic thinker?  Joining our Board of Directors might be the right "strategy" for you!

 

Call or E-mail our office to tell us about your interests, and to be connected with the appropriate committee chair.

 

Frequently Asked Questions about construction at Habitat for Humanity:

 

Q. Do I need any prior construction experience?
A. No! A willing heart and able hands are all that you need. A construction site leader will be available to train and coach you, and to answer any questions that you may have.

 

Q. When do you build?
A. On Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays from 9AM to 4PM. 

 

Q. Can I show up any day I want, or do I need to sign up beforehand?
A. It is necessary to sign up beforehand. We respect your time, and need to match the number of volunteers on a given day to the tasks at hand.

Please search Volunteer Solutions at the United Way of Olmsted County for current openings, or contact our office with cc: to exec@rahh.org. 

 

Q. Can my group volunteer?
A. Yes! Volunteering together on a Habitat site gives coworkers or group members a terrific way to get to know each other as people, while still accomplishing something productive.  Contact the Habitat office to learn more and find out about available dates.  

 

Q. Do I need to bring my own tools?
A. No. Habitat for Humanity will provide all tools, but you may bring your own if you wish.

 

Q. Is it possible to know beforehand what kind of work we will be doing when we volunteer?
A. Yes, to an extent. We follow an approximate job schedule, but sometimes weather, inspection schedules, and other variables can force us to change our plans at the last minute. We will do everything we can to provide you with the type of work you wish to do, but we appreciate your flexibility!  No matter what you do, you will be helping to build a better home and better life for a deserving family.

 

Q. What‘s it like to work on a Habitat job site?
A.Volunteering on a job site is a fun and rewarding experience, but can also be physically demanding.  Building homes for families in need may require you to bend, lift, stretch, walk on uneven surfaces, and complete tasks that may require some repetitive motion. Safety comes first on Habitat job sites, but it is a shared responsibility.  You know your physical limitations- Habitat for Humanity does not.

 

Q.  Can children volunteer on the work site?
A. It depends on their age:

• People ages 18 and older can work with no restrictions
• Children ages 16 and 17 can perform general construction, but cannot use power tools or work on scaffolding or ladders.
• Children ages 14 and 15 may help with general cleanup, laying sod, or serving lunches to volunteers.
• Children ages 13 and under may not be present on Habitat job sites, for their own safety.

In all cases, at least one responsible adult must accompany no more than every four youth on the site, and the adult must remain present for the entire duration of the construction day.    Youth reporting to the job site without a responsible adult in the appropriate ratios will be turned away.  All youth must report with a consent form  signed by a parent or guardian.