How to Volunteer with Habitat for Humanity

So you think that the work Habitat for Humanity does is incredible and you would love to help, but you don't have any real construction experience. ...can they even use someone like you? The answer is: Absolutely!

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Determine the amount of time you want to donate to volunteering and how consistently you will be able to volunteer. Even if you can only work a single weekend, that is still fine.

2. Contact your local Habitat for Humanity office by looking in the yellow pages or checking their website (see resources) and find out if there are any houses being built in your area. If not, determine if you are willing to drive to the nearest one.

3. Depending on the stage of completion, the house you are volunteering to work on may or may not have running water, air conditioning or heat. Bring something to drink, dress appropriately for the weather and don't forget a hat and sunscreen in case you are going to be working outside.

4. Identify yourself to the site leader once you arrive, and find out what jobs are going to need to be done. If you arrive early, you can usually choose what area you want to work in. If you arrive late, you will generally be assigned to whatever task needs the most help.

Tips & Warnings

• If the house you are working at is far away, check with your Habitat for Humanity office about the possibility of carpooling with someone.
• Try a variety of different jobs. You may be volunteering, but this is also an opportunity for you to get new experiences, so take advantage of it.

Resources

• Habitat for Humanity Homepage

[tiffanycole]

on 7/27/2009 Take special heed to step 3. I made the mistake of not dressing warmly enough for winter volunteer date with Habitat. Try layers.