Volunteers are who drive Habitat Charlotte. We welcome people from all walks of life to join us as we build simple, decent, affordable houses in partnership with God and families in need.
Don’t have construction experience? Don't worry, you're not alone. The vast majority of our volunteers are unskilled. We have a site supervisor on each construction site who will give you instructions and help you get started.
Please read the following information carefully, but if you have any additional questions please contact
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, Volunteer Coordinator at 704.716.7077.
Important Information for Individuals:
Sign Up: As an individual you do not need to sign up ahead of time. just check where we have assigned individuals on this week's schedule. You do not need to call or contact us to confirm that you are attending. Please note this schedule is updated on Tuesdays and Thursdays each week for the current week. This schedule is primarily for volunteers coming alone or with only one or two others. If you would like to volunteer with more than 3-4 people, we will need to schedule your group ahead of time, so please check out our Group Volunteer Information Page.
Tools: Each person, must bring drinking water, hammer (16 oz. minimum), tape measure (recommended 25'), pencil, and a nail apron (cloth ones can be purchased at home stores for around $1). Please bring water for your own use. Please bring other hand tools or safety equipment if you have them, for example: hard hat, safety glasses, utility knife, gloves, siding snips, screw driver, nail set, etc. When on site, volunteers are required to wear a safety glasses and a hard hat (except when interior trim and painting are the only tasks on site.)
Times: Please check this week's schedule to see what shifts are currently available. Times will vary based on the time of year and tasks to be completed. Please be on time and plan to stay the entire shift.
Lunch: If the shift includes a lunch break, please bring your own lunch or plan to visit a local restaurant. Don't forget the water!
What to wear: Wear clothes you don't mind getting dirty or paint-splattered and wear tennis shoes or boots. Absolutely no sandals or open-toed footwear.
What happens when you arrive: When you arrive at the work site, you'll be met by a Habitat Charlotte representative who will go over construction techniques, safety, and other information. Because key information is covered at this time, please be on time. Please lock your car and keep valuables at home or out of sight.
Each Habitat volunteer must sign a Release of Liability form agreeing to take personal responsibility for any accidents or injuries on the job. Most individuals have a personal health insurance plan that covers them while engaged in volunteer work. However, you should verify your coverage prior to coming to the work site.
Youth Participation: You must be at least 16 years old to work on a construction site. 16 and 17 year-olds must have a parent or guardian sign a Minor's Release of Liability and bring this form to the job site. Volunteers 18 and older will sign the release at the Habitat work site. 16 and 17 year-olds cannot use power tools or work on the roof, or any surfaces over 6 feet off the ground or perform de-construction. There are no exceptions.
Community Service: Community service volunteers (including school, court and lawyer recommended) can learn more about our program at our Community Service page. You must contact us prior to the build day in order to receive a community service time card to keep track of your hours.
Rain: Plan to show up rain or shine. If it's still raining when you get to the work site, and your task takes place outside, we'll try and reassign you to inside work. But if it's safe, we often work in the rain, so bring your raincoat!
Working with the Habitat homeowners: On most Saturdays and sometimes on weekdays, you'll have the chance to work alongside the Habitat homeowners who are working on their sweat equity requirements for their home ownership. Please take time to say hello and get to know them!
Other questions?
Please call 704.716.7077 or email
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if you have any other questions.
