Get Involved
| Building Homes, Building Hope, Building Community |
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 2011 Build Season |
Introduction
Volunteers are at the heart of Habitat for Humanity of St. Joseph County. We would not be able to fulfill our mission of eliminating substandard housing without the help and support of our volunteers. We unite individuals and groups from corporate, faith, educational, and community organizations to ensure that the people of our community live in safe, decent, and affordable housing. You don’t have to be skilled to volunteer, just simply willing to learn. There are a wide variety of tasks that need to be accomplished, and there are many ways to be involved.
Special Builds
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Building on Faith
Embodying the spirit of Jesus Christ by serving families, transforming lives and building communities. |
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Women Build
Enabling U.S. and international affiliates to recruit, educate and nurture women to build—and advocate for—simple, decent and affordable houses in their communities. |
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Youth Build
Students putting school rivalry aside, taking a step outside of the classroom and, together as one united voice, picking up hammers driving out poverty and substandard housing one nail at a time. |
Construction Experience
You do not need construction experience. You do need a willingness to learn and a desire to help. All skill levels are welcome, and our trained staff and experienced volunteers will help you to learn. If you do have some construction experience, mention it to the Volunteer Coordinator when you register. Volunteer projects are determined by the Construction Manager, and many factors, such as weather, volunteer numbers and supplies, determine what will be done. Volunteers do everything on the job site from raising the walls, shingling the roof, hanging siding, insulating the house, hanging drywall, painting, and landscaping. However, we contract licensed professionals to perform the skilled tasks, such as electrical wiring and plumbing.
Release of Liability
Every Habitat volunteer must sign a liability waiver in order to work on the job site. Waiver forms are found in Appendix C. After signing the waiver form, volunteers will receive a wrist-band as verification. Volunteers will not be permitted on the jobsite without a wristband. We suggest you verify your personal health insurance coverage prior to volunteering.
Age Limits
Construction volunteers must be at least 16 years of age. Teens, 16 and 17, must fill out a Minor Liability Waiver, complete with a parent’s or guardian’s signature. Those under 18 must not use power tools, use ladders or be up on a roof. Children under 16 are not permitted on the job site, even under parental supervision. There are only a few exceptions to this rule.
Changes in the Build Schedule or Location
Keep in mind that when you register to volunteer, it is difficult to definitively predict what projects will be happening on a specific build on a given day. Many factors, including weather, number of volunteers, supplies, etc., play a role in the progress of a home. While Habitat works hard to maintain all the build schedules, when you or your group are given a location for a build day, please understand that it is tentative and Habitat reserves the right to change it if extraordinary circumstances require. You will be notified well in advance of any changes.
In terms of weather, as long as we can be safe and productive, we will continue to work. However, we will stop work if it is there is lightning. We will do our best to inform you ahead of time if work will be cancelled, but if you feel comfortable coming out to work, head for the job site.
Tools & Clothing
Habitat provides all the tools and supplies that you will need. If you have small hand tools, such as a hammer or tape measure, or your own tool belt, you are welcome to use those on the job site. We recommend that you bring work gloves if you have them, but we do have some on site. Please label all of your belongings with your name. Habitat is not responsible for lost or stolen items.
Your own water bottle and a small snack, such as a granola bar or apple, is also recommended. Habitat does provide water on site, but it’s always great to bring your own bottle to eliminate waste.
Please wear clothes you don’t mind getting dirty—think what you might wear to work in the yard for a day, as well as weather-suitable clothing. If it’s cold, dress in layers because you might get hot as you start working. If it’s hot out, bring a hat and sunglasses. Sturdy, close-toed shoes are required—NO SANDALS OR OPEN-TOED SHOES ALLOWED. Try to wear pants and shorts with pockets to hold your various personal items. There is no place on the job sites to store purses or other belongings.
Name Tags
Please wear name tags at all times on the job site. Name tags should also include your connection to the build, i.e. partner family, group affiliation, etc… Name tags are vital for both relationship building and safety.
Food and Drink Service
Adequate nourishment is key to a productive build experience. Depending on the size of the build, the food and drink operation can be extensive. This is an excellent opportunity to involve unskilled volunteers and partner families in the project.
We suggest that lunch be provided at midday to all volunteers. In addition, coffee, fruit, and a small mid-morning snack are always appreciated. Plenty of water should always be available near the house. The type of food served should be sensitive to weather conditions, especially heat. For example, it is best not to serve hot pans of lasagna on 95 degree days. Please make sure to store food properly before serving.
A volunteer or staff member should be appointed to check for signs of dehydration and constantly encourage workers to take a break to hydrate themselves. A shaded area for meals is a good way for workers to cool off.
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