Volunteers are welcome on our jobsite, in our ReStore and administrative office during the week and on weekends. Each volunteer opportunity offers a unique experience. Habitat NWHC would like to get you plugged in, working with you to discover your niche within our efforts to build affordable housing in partnership with families in need.
Please take the time to fill out our Volunteer Informational Form so that we are able to learn more about your interests.
Below, please find additional information on volunteer opportunities:
Habitat NWHC requires all volunteers to fill out a waiver of liability (one for adults and one for minors). Please print off a copy, fill it out and bring it with you to your volunteer location. Waivers will also be provided at works sites.
For more information about “A Day at Habitat NWHC’s Construction Site” please review our Construction Instructions page.
Volunteers FAQ
1. What is the age requirement to volunteer?
2. What do I need to bring to the construction site?
3. What time do I need to arrive at the jobsite?
4. What if I don't know anything about construction?
5. What should I wear?
6. Can I do my community service hours with Habitat (court or school assigned)?
7. Can I bring a group of friends or co-workers out to the jobsite?
8. Will my car be safe while I am busy volunteering?
9. What if I can only volunteer in the afternoon?
Q. What is the age requirement to volunteer?
A. Every volunteer on the construction site must be at least 14 years of age. Those under the age of 18 must keep their feet on the ground at all times (no roofing or ladders), and must have their waiver of liability form signed by their parent/guardian.
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Q. What do I need to bring to the construction site?
A. Habitat NWHC will provide all the equipment / tools on the jobsite, but you are certainly welcome to bring your own (especially if you have a favorite paint brush, hammer, etc.). Water is provided on site, but if you prefer bottled water, please bring your own. Lunch is provided on Saturday work days.
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Q. What time do I need to arrive at the jobsite?
A. You need to be on site by 8:00 AM, in order to sign in and attend the morning orientation which begins promptly at 8:15 AM.
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Q. What if I don't know anything about construction?
A. No problem! We have skilled staff and volunteer leaders on the jobsite who will explain every task that you do. If you are not comfortable with a task, you can simply ask to do something else.
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Q. What should I wear?
A. Whether painting, landscaping, or roofing, your clothes and shoes WILL get dirty, so please wear old clothes as they may not come clean. No open-toed shoes are allowed on the jobsite. Tennis shoes are a great choice. You may also want to bring a hat or visor since the sun can be quite bright. Please wear sunscreen!
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Q. Can I do my community service hours with Habitat (court or school assigned)?
A. We have many people who complete their community service hours with us, whether court ordered or for school. Please make sure you bring your form and our volunteer coordinator sign it at the end of the day. If volunteering on the construction site does not fit your schedule, you can always get community service hours at the Habitat ReStore.
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Q. Can I bring a group of friends or co-workers out to the jobsite?
A. We would love for you to bring a group, but if you want to bring more than 5 people, you must sign up as a group, which involves scheduling your workday in advance. Please contact our volunteer coordinator, Karly Grilliotat volunteer@habitatnwhc.org for more information on scheduling a group of volunteers.
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Q. Will my car be safe while I am busy volunteering?
A. When there are a small number of people volunteering, everyone can park at the jobsite while they are working. When large groups come out on Saturdays, we have designated parking signs that direct you to the volunteer parking location. Habitat NWHC is not responsible for your vehicle or personal belongings. Please take the precaution of putting all valuables out of eyesight (the trunk is a great spot).
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Q. What if I can only volunteer in the afternoon?
A. In order to prevent chaos on the jobsite, we ask that everyone arrive at the start of the day. This is when we assign the tasks, assign leaders, and explain the tasks for the day. If you are not able to arrive at that time, you can find a day that better suits your schedule, or you can volunteer at our affiliate ReStore, at our Trader’s Village site, at our Deconstruction site, on a committee, or within the office.
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