How do I sign up to volunteer?
To sign up to volunteer at a
It’s important to us that all our volunteers have a productive and rewarding experience, so we only schedule the number of volunteers that we can safely and comfortably accommodate on each day. When we have recruited the maximum number of volunteers that we can host on a particular day, we will no longer recruit additional volunteers.
Are there any age restrictions?
Volunteers must be 16 years old or older. Volunteers under the age of 18 must bring a waiver signed by a legal guardian with them to the construction site on their scheduled build day. Minor volunteers may not operate power tools or work at heights above six feet. There is no upper age limit for volunteers.
When can I volunteer on the construction site?
We usually build on Saturday
Why aren’t there any open volunteer dates?
Depending on the stage of construction or activities at the Store, we may not need volunteers or we may already have enough volunteers for a particular day.
What if I’ve never done any construction before?
We welcome volunteers of all skill levels and we provide all the training that you need! We assume no skills or prior construction experience, and the construction staff will provide plenty of instruction and supervision throughout the day.
What safety information should I know?
The safety of our volunteers is paramount to us. Volunteers can complete the online safety course prior to joining us on site. We also encourage volunteers to view this construction site safety video.
What kind of work will we do?
All types of building tasks are performed on a Habitat construction site. Please be prepared to assist in whatever the day’s tasks may be. Remember… every task performed helps to build homes! While tasks often include using power tools or working at heights, volunteers will not be expected to do any task that make them uncomfortable.
What to expect on site
- We do not discriminate on basis of race, creed, ethnic origin, or sexual orientation
. Be conscious of the safety of others and yourself.- Do not continue working on a task that you are unable to do or feel uncertain about.
- If you have any questions, please ask.
- Hard hats are to be worn when any overhead tasks are being performed. Bring a hard hat if you have one. If not, one will be provided.
- Volunteers must wear protective glasses anytime he or she is operating power tools.
- We work year-round and work outside in the elements. We only cancel work when there is dangerous weather.
What should I wear to volunteer?
- Comfortable clothes that you don’t mind getting dirty. Light clothing is recommended for the hot weather. Layering clothing is recommended for cold weather. Please wear rain gear when working in the rain.
- Closed-toe shoes or boots are REQUIRED for both build sites and at the Habitat Store. You will not be allowed to volunteer on site if you wear sandals, flip flops or slip-on shoes. All shoes must be tied properly.
What to bring
- Water bottle (we have water on site)
- Sunscreen
- Optional: gloves, hard hat and safety glasses if you have them (if not, you can borrow ours)
- Optional: personal tools (hammer, measuring tape, etc.). Please leave your personal power tools home, as they are not allowed on the construction site.
Rules & recommendations
- Smoking, drugs, and alcohol are not allowed on our construction sites, in the office or at the Store.
- We recommend you do not bring valuables, including jewelry, when you volunteer with Habitat.
- All volunteers must be 16 years of age or older. All youth must have a waiver form completed and signed by a legal guardian prior to volunteering on site.
It’s raining! What do I do?
Construction will often continue during rain, depending on the stage of construction. Usually, we will have enough work to do indoors to continue working in inclement weather. If the build site will be closed due to weather, you will be notified no later than
What if I get injured (or am injured already)?
We take the safety of our volunteers extremely seriously and pride ourselves on our safety record. Please notify staff of any pre-existing conditions or allergies and of any necessary precautions, such as a bee sting kit, inhaler, etc. We ask that all injuries, no matter how minor, be reported to the site manager. If a serious injury occurs, a staff person will assist you in getting emergency medical care.
If you have an existing injury or have limited mobility please contact us in advance to see if we have a safe volunteer task on that day.
Can I fulfill my court-appointed or school community service requirement with Habitat?
Volunteers needing to complete mandated Community Service hours for class, court or other reasons are welcome to complete these hours at the Habitat Store or on one of our construction sites. We recommend completing your hours at one location to make it easier to track your hours.
Sign up for a volunteer shift here.
Please arrive at least 5 minutes early for your scheduled shift. Find the construction site manager or Store manager and inform them you are there to complete community service hours. Be sure to sign in and out. Before leaving have the manager sign off on your hours. We recommend you keep your own copy of your hours as well. All hours must be signed off on the day the hours were completed. Without a manager’s signature, these hours will not be counted toward your requirement.
What if I need verification for my service hours?
We are happy to provide a signed letter on our letterhead documenting your volunteer hours. Please request a letter for your total hours, after your last volunteer day is complete, by emailing us at info@JonesboroHabitat.com. Please include the site location, volunteer date and total hours. We must be able to verify your hours to complete this letter so please make sure to sign in/out at your volunteer location. Allow two weeks from your request to receive your letter in the mail. We cannot guarantee that we can provide your letter earlier, so please plan accordingly.
What else should I know?
Throughout Jonesboro, Habitat works in partnership with neighborhoods that have their own unique identity and in many cases their own unique challenges. We encourage and ask all of our volunteers to embrace our community partners and neighbors as you build with us on site. As you work with us, please remember to remain mindful of your environment and utilize sound judgment at all times. If you have any concerns or questions, please communicate with the staff members working on the site.
