Frequently Asked Questions- Construction
When can I volunteer with Morris Habitat on a construction site?
- Construction sites are open to individual volunteers, Most Mondays through Saturdays from 8:30 am to 4:00 pm. Our worksites offer volunteer opportunities all 12 months!
- See Construction FAQ
- Volunteers help us in almost all aspects of building or rehabbing a home. Based on your scheduled build day, a volunteer could be building walls, installing siding, hanging drywall, painting the interior or exterior and much more!
- Tasks vary depending on the construction schedule.
What skills are required?
- No specific skills are needed, just a willingness to learn and a positive attitude. Habitat provides an experienced site leader on each work site who will provide on-the-job training. Safety is important to us and, therefore, we provide free on-line safety training courses when you register online.
- Yes, we do! We have volunteer opportunities with our ReStore in Randolph.
- All volunteers under 16 and 17 years of age need to be accompanied by an adult 21 or older, have a parent/guardian sign the liability waiver, and cannot climb ladders or use power tools.
- Volunteers must be 16 and older to volunteer on a construction site.
- How old do I have to be to volunteer?
- Ages 18+: May volunteer independently
- Ages 16 & 17: May volunteer independently at ReStore. May volunteer along with a parent/guardian/adult (over age 21), in a limited capacity, at a construction site. Volunteers ages 16 & 17 are not permitted to participate in roofing, demolition, the use of power tools, or use ladders over 6 feet
- Ages 14 & 15: May volunteer at ReStore along with a parent/guardian/adult (over age 21)
- **For groups with minors (ages 14-17): At least 1 adult (over age 21) is required to accompany every 5 minors.**
- No experience is required! Volunteers just need a willingness to learn and a desire to serve. Staff and regular volunteers will be at every worksite or at the ReStore to guide you through the day’s tasks.
- For a day of service, volunteers need to bring a reusable water bottle, hat, sunscreen, and bug spray. Habitat supplies the water and all of the tools and materials needed for the day. If a volunteer wants to bring his or her own tools, please be sure the items are properly labeled.
- Closed toe shoes are required. No tools are necessary, but if you have them you are encouraged to bring basics, such as a hammer, nail apron, tape measure, utility knife, and a pencil. Please clearly label all of your tools with your name or initials. Hard hats and safety goggles will be provided. Water will be available, but you may wish to bring your own supply. It’s always a good idea to wear a hat and sunscreen when working outdoors.
- Lunch is not provided. Volunteers need to bring a lunch to site, unless told otherwise. Lunch breaks onsite are typically 30 minutes long beginning at 12pm.
- We ask that volunteers dress for the weather and wear clothes that can get dirty. All volunteers MUST wear closed-toe shoes, regardless if you are onsite or at the ReStore.
- Footwear needs to be sturdy and closed-toe and closed-heel. Boots or sneakers are both considered appropriate footwear. Wear clothes and shoes that you don’t mind getting dirty. Please prepare for the weather by checking the forecast before you arrive at the work site. If it is sunny, please bring a hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses. If it is raining, please bring a jacket, raincoat, and/or rain boots. If it is cold, please dress in layers along with a hat, gloves and warm socks.
- Since volunteers build year-round, our Core Crew Leaders will work with Habitat staff to determine if it is safe to work in extreme temperatures. We ask that volunteers show up to the work sites, even if it is raining, unless they have heard from Habitat staff stating otherwise. Weather cancellations happen on the day of the event and onsite. Volunteers will work in light rain but do not complete exterior work in heavy rain or thunderstorms.
- If inclement weather is predicted on the day of the build, please check your email for cancellation notices. You will be notified within 2 hours of the start time.
- Depending on the circumstance, volunteers can complete their court-ordered community service hours with Habitat, most often at the ReStore. Volunteers looking to fulfill these hours should complete the Individual Volunteer Contact Form to begin the process of scheduling.
- We are unable to accept Court-Ordered Community Service volunteers with violent, sexual, or theft charges. Other Court-Ordered Community Service volunteers may register for shifts in advance through our online Volunteer Hub process and should bring their court paperwork and a picture ID to their first shift
- Yes, groups are welcome on-site Monday-Saturday, 8:30-4:00, depending on availability.
- We welcome group sizes of 5-10 volunteers
- To schedule a Team Build Day please email construction.scheduling@morrishabitat.org
- To learn more about Team Build Days click here
- Every Team Build day is a rewarding experience! Not only will your team be improving your communication and collaborative skills, but you’ll also be helping build a home in partnership with a deserving family. Habitat looks forward to promoting your build day on our social media pages and website.
Can I break my event day into shifts?
- We typically do not break our days into shifts on the jobsite.
How do I sign up?
- The first step in volunteering is to register for an account on our site. This is crucial to our ability to plan for your work day and keep you safe on the site. Once registered, you can then sign up online for our volunteer opportunities.
Why can't I just show up?
- In order to create a safe and enjoyable volunteer experience, every volunteer must register online in advance. This will help our site leaders to be better prepared with tools, materials, and projects for everyone. Online registration is required to enable us to prepare for the shift.
What is my commitment?
- The commitment is up to you! You may volunteer one time or as often as you wish. You may come as a part of a group, and then decide that you would like to continue volunteering as an individual. We are delighted to work with you to fit your needs and schedule.
- Learn more about becoming a member of the Carpenters Club, Core Crew and Faithful here
Where do I get the forms to be completed?
- This site provides a fast and efficient online system to register for volunteer opportunities as well as complete Volunteer Information and Liability Waiver forms. Once you create an account, sign in, and register for your event, you will be prompted to complete the Liability Waiver online before you are able to register for any volunteer opportunities. Minors (under age 18) will be prompted electronically to sign their waiver and then have it sent electronically to a parent or guardian to e-sign. After both the minor and parent or guardian have signed the electronic waiver, the minor will be permitted to register for volunteer opportunities.
- The volunteer waiver is in your user profile.
What will happen when I arrive at the site?
- At the beginning of each workday, a Habitat site supervisor will begin the morning with introductions, a safety talk, and instructions. The group will then break into crews to work on the various building tasks.
How do I cancel my volunteer date?
- Log in to your account to cancel your volunteer date. You may also utilize the link provided in your confirmation email.
- Groups that wish to cancel or reschedule their volunteer day should do so using the Community Connect platform. Please provide at least one week's notice if your group is cancelling or rescheduling.
What type of bathroom facilities are on site?
- We have portable toilets on each build site.
What if someone is not comfortable building?
- There is something for everyone on site. Please inform your crew leader if you are not comfortable with the task that you have been assigned.
How can I donate to help build more houses?
- Individuals can donate by clicking here.
- Companies and organizations can learn more about sponsorship by contacting the Stephanie Buonarota, Director of Development & Volunteer Services; stephanie.buonarota@morrishabitat.org
