Volunteer FAQ
Construction Volunteers
How do I volunteer?
Individual volunteers may sign up by going to our volunteer website at http://h4h.volunteerhub.com. You will need to create a new user name and password in order to sign up to volunteer. Directions on how to do so are posted on the site. You may also contact our Faith Relations and Volunteer Coordinator Lynne Punnett at 734.677.1558 ext. 110 or lynnep@h4h.org.
Do I need building experience to volunteer on a construction site?
No prior construction experience is required. We believe working on site can provide a valuable learning experience for those seeking basic building skills.
How many people can work on a construction site at a given time?
The optimal number of site volunteers depends on the site and the work plan for the day. Typically, the maximum number of volunteers is 15 - 20 per day. We want to ensure that there is enough room for people to physically operate and enough tasks to keep people meaningfully engaged. Supervision can be difficult when there are too many people, resulting in people standing around with nothing to do.
What is the build schedule?
Our Emerson Avenue, Ypsilanti build project schedule is:
- Saturdays 8:00am – 4:00pm
- Sundays 2:00pm – 6:00pm
Volunteers need to arrive at the worksite by 8:00 a.m. It is critical for volunteers to arrive on time. Our safety and training instruction takes place first thing in the morning, and all our volunteers for the day need to be present.
Can I work a half day?
We ask for a full-day commitment from all our volunteers. When people show up late or leave early it makes it difficult for our supervisors to properly train volunteers or accomplish the construction goals for the day.
What do I do when I arrive on site?
Upon arrival, volunteers must sign the Volunteer Release and Waiver of Liabilities Form. This form can be found by clicking here.
Everyone must sign the Volunteer Release and Waiver of Liabilities Form as they arrive for their first workday. The waiver is good for the remainder of the calendar year and volunteers must sign a new form at the beginning of each new year. Habitat for Humanity of Huron Valley is required to have a record of your participation for legal, insurance and statistical purposes.
Volunteers must also fill out the Sign-In sheet located on the job site. Extra copies of the Liability form are also available on site however it greatly expedites the sign-in process if volunteers come with the form already filled out.
After signing in, volunteers will receive work assignments from the site supervisor.
The following is a typical workday schedule:
8:00am Volunteer sign-in
8:15am - 8:30am task assignments
8:30am - 12:00pm Workday tasks
12:00pm - 1:00pm Lunch
1:00pm - 3:30pm Workday tasks
3:30pm - 4:00pm Cleanup
Volunteers are expected to work for the duration of the day but should be aware that on occasion the workday may end before 4:00 pm.
What should I wear to the construction site?
Wear sturdy, closed toed shoes that you don't mind getting dirty. Also be aware that much of the work is outdoors, so dress appropriately for the weather, including wind, rain, snow, or sun.
What should I bring to the construction site? Should I bring tools?
First, and most importantly, bring a lunch and a bottle of water. Habitat for Humanity of Huron Valley will provide the hand tools and power tools you will be using. You may bring your own hand tools if you like but be sure to label them with your name. If you have your own work gloves, tool belt or safety goggles you may want to bring them as well. It is best to remove all jewelry and pull loose hair back. Also, be sure to bring your own personal comfort items – sunscreen, a hat and layered clothing for weather changes. Please leave your valuables at home.
What if there is inclement weather?
Being in Michigan, the weather varies greatly from place to place. As such, it might be raining on one side of town, but sunny on another. Since there is plenty to do on the job site, Construction Leaders can and often reconfigure the tasks to fit the weather for any given day. Therefore, we ask our volunteers to plan on showing up to the build site regardless of the weather. If a workday is canceled, it is done so at the build site the day of.
Can minors work on the construction site?
Due to state laws, volunteers must be 16 years old to work on the construction site. All minors under the age of 18 must arrive with a waiver signed by their parent or guardian. This form may be found by clicking here.
To whom do I direct any comments, complaints and suggestions regarding my construction experience?
Direct all comments and inquiries to Lynne Punnett, our Faith Relations and Volunteer Coordinator, at lynnep@h4h.org or 734.677.1558 ext. 110.
Is there a fee for individuals to volunteer on a construction site?
We do not require a fee from individual volunteers. However, we encourage all volunteers to help with Habitat for Humanity of Huron Valley’s mission to eliminate poverty housing. If you are interested in donating, please click the “Donate Today” section on the left-hand navigation bar of this page.
Groups
What if I want to organize a group of volunteers?
If you have questions about group volunteering please visit our Group Volunteer page.To organize a group build day, please contact Lynne Punnett, Faith Relations and Volunteer Coordinator, at 734.677.1558 ext. 110 or by email at lynnep@h4h.org to schedule a group volunteer day.
Office and Committee Volunteers
Are there non-construction volunteer opportunities available?
There are many other volunteer opportunities. You can volunteer with Habitat for Humanity of Huron Valley in the office, the ReStore, or serve on one of our committees. To find out more please visit our volunteer website at http://h4h.volunteerhub.com.
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