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Build Site
VOLUNTEER INSTRUCTIONS On–Site Construction
Following is information that we hope will make this a safer and more enjoyable experience for your group, please review before joining us at our build site. If you have additional questions please contact our Volunteer Coordinator or the office. We will be building at Hampton Place in Tomball Wednesdays: 8:30 am until 2:30 pm Saturdays: 8:00 am until 3:00 pm 1) If you are with a group (four+ people) you must be assigned a work day and time by our Volunteer Coordinator. Individuals may come out any Wednesday, or Saturday. 2) We do have limited group opportunities to work during the week. Again, if you are with a group you must talk with our Volunteer Coordinator prior to showing up for work during the week. 3) If you are arriving on a Saturday morning you should be on-site by 8:00 AM to sign-in and prepare for the day. We will start with an Orientation meeting at 8:15 AM. The morning will last until approximately Noon when we break for lunch, but this can vary depending on the status of our work on a particular day. The afternoon will begin around 12:30 and you should be prepared to work until 3:00 PM. However, depending on the weather and the work to do, this time could change. 4) We will build every Wednesday & Saturday except a Christmas-New Years break from December 19 to January 9, 2008. 5) Please plan to remain on-site until all tools are put away and the site is cleaned-up. 6) Because of affiliate guidelines and your own safety you must be at least 14 to be on the work site. If you are 14 or 15 you must have adult sponsor present and are limited to certain activities, such as painting and landscaping. At 16 or 17 you may help in construction but will not be allowed to do any hazardous activity, go up a ladder, or use power tools. 7) When you first arrive you will be required to sign a "Release of Liability" and will be given a name tag. If you arrive after the Saturday Orientation is over, please look for our Greeter who will help you find a job to perform. 8) You must wear closed toed shoes on site. Especially during warm weather we suggest you wear light clothing, a hat, and sun screen. You should bring gloves, if you have them bring a hammer, nail apron, and any other tools you feel could be helpful. If you bring tools, mark your name on each item! You are not required to bring tools as we will have some available on-site. Water will be provided, but you are welcome to bring additional drinks. 9) Lunch will be provided on Saturday if you are working all day on the construction site. Lunch is not provided if you are working in the afternoon only, or on Wednesday. 10) We can find work to do in most weather. In case of extreme conditions you should call the Hotline at 713-968-9766. On Saturdays our staff will update the Hotline at about 7:15 AM with the current conditions. However, keep in mind the weather could continue to change after that time. Unless you are instructed at that number that we are NOT working that day, we would ask that you show up on-site. Houston weather is spotty and unpredictable. We will build in almost any weather. 11) Future homeowners will be on-site building with you. We encourage you to introduce yourself and meet them. You can also assist them with their sweat equity hours. Discuss this with the site Greeter. 12) Safety- We strongly encourage you to review the safety guidelines located at our web site, prior to building. These will be found under the "Current Projects" tab. 13) If you are doing Community Service, either as an individual or a group, please make sure our Greeter or Construction Coordinator knows that when you arrive. 14) Experience is NOT required to help construct a Habitat house. However, please be cautious and ask questions of any available Red Hat if you are trying to perform a task and are unsure how to accomplish it. 15) At Habitat NWHC there are many other volunteer opportunities available in addition to swinging a hammer. We have a special need for Red Hats (Construction Foreman). If you have experience, or a desire to learn more about home building, talk to our Construction Manager. We also need people to work at a variety of jobs in our retail ReStore (located at 13572 Hwy 249) and our Administrative Office. For more information contact the office at home@habitatnwhc.org or 281-820-2307 or go to the Volunteer section of our web site. 15) Parking at the build site is very tight. Most cars will be parked at Grayco Awards on the north side of Cherry Street, directlyacross from Willowick. Also, please make sure your vehicle is locked and valuables are out of sight. A lot of people go through our build site on a typical Saturday and while we have had very few problems we suggest being careful. 16) Insurance- You are going to at an active build site. While we have few accidents, the possibility always exists. We will ask you to sign a waiver of liability in case of a problem, however for your own protection we strongly request you be covered bymedical insurance if you are going to be building on our site! 17) If you would like more information about the work planned for an upcoming build day we try and place the current week’s build plans on our web site by mid-week. Go to ‘Our Projects’ and then the link marked ‘Current’. In addition a brief description of Saturday’s plan is added to our Hotline number most Thursdays. 18) Habitat for Humanity Northwest Harris County is always in need of funding to continue our work. If you are able to assist or know a company, church, or organization that might be interested in providing funding please contact our office and ask for the Development Director. 19) Houston Heat- Please drink enough fluids if you are building during hot weather. We have also been advised to encourage you to eat before coming out, it helps against the heat. Most important, STOP and seek shade if you start feeling bad!! - Please drink enough fluids if you are building during hot weather. We have also been advised to encourage you to , it helps against the heat. Most important, STOP and seek shade if you start feeling bad!!NOTE: After your group has worked on-site, we will ask for your input on how we make this a better experience. Please give us your comments, both good and bad. Joyce Campbell, Volunteer Coordinator: Lee Schnell, Executive Director |