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FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions about Volunteering

Individual Volunteer Questions

  • How do I get started?

    The first step to volunteering is to review our Individual Volunteer Manual.
    After reviewing the manual, create an account on our volunteer website .

  • I don’t want to build, is there a place for me at Habitat?

    Definitely! Habitat has a variety of needs for volunteers, including help in our ReStore, office, with photography, speaking at events, and more! To view all of the volunteer options, please visit our volunteer website at https://volunteer.habitatmidohio.org or contact a staff member.

  • What volunteer opportunities are available?

    Habitat needs volunteers in all areas of the organization. Check out all of our upcoming opportunities at https://volunteer.habitatmidohio.org.

  • How can I get youth under 14 years old involved with Habitat?

    There are lots of ways that youth can get involved with Habitat! Check out our Student and Youth Resources page for more information.

Group Volunteer Questions

  • Do groups need to attend a Volunteer Orientation?

    Since scheduling a day to volunteer is tricky enough when working with multiple schedules, groups are not required to attend an orientation. If you are interested in volunteering with a group, please complete our group inquiry form.

  • What volunteer opportunities are there for groups?

    Groups can volunteer in Habitat’s ReStore, on a build site, or in our warehouse to help with the Playhouse Project. For more information, please download our Team Volunteer Manual. To schedule a volunteer date, please fill out our group inquiry form.

  • When is the greatest need for groups to volunteer on a build site?

    Weekdays (Tuesdays-Fridays) during Habitat’s non-peak build season (January-March) are Habitat’s greatest need for groups to volunteer on our build sites.

Construction Questions

  • Are volunteers required to wear safety gear?

    Yes, volunteers will be required to wear safety goggles at all times, and hard hats through the drywall phase. Work gloves and ear protection are also highly recommended.

  • Do I need to bring my own tools?

    Tools will be provided for you unless you prefer to bring your own. If you do bring your own tools, please label them, so that you are sure to get them back.

  • Does Habitat build year-round?

    Yes, Habitat builds year-round. While spring, summer, and fall are typical home construction months at Habitat, construction and repair activities often must occur during the winter months due to sponsor funding cycles. Weekdays (Tuesdays-Fridays) during Habitat’s non-peak build season (January-March) are usually our greatest need for individuals and groups.

  • How old do you need to be to volunteer on a build site?

    Volunteers must be at least 16 years old to be on a Habitat build site. If under 18, youth must be accompanied by an adult 21 or older at a five-to-one ratio. Youth cannot operate power tools or work at heights above six feet.

  • What if I am not skilled at construction work?

    You do not need to be skilled with construction or have previous experience prior to volunteering. There will be house and crew leads on the build site to teach you everything you will need to know!

  • What is the time commitment for construction?

    Construction requires a full-shift time commitment of 8:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. Habitat builds Tuesday-Saturday. We also hold evening crew construction shifts on most Wednesday and Thursday evenings from 5:30-8:00 p.m.

  • What should I wear?

    Please wear clothing that you do not mind getting dirty or possibly damaged. Sturdy, hard-soled, closed-toed, closed-heeled shoes are required. No sandals or slip-on shoes allowed. Pants are recommended, but shorts are acceptable in warm weather.

  • What size group can volunteer on a build site?

    Typically Habitat can accommodate crews of six to ten people per house, depending on the phase of construction.

ReStore Questions

  • How old do you need to be to volunteer in Habitat’s ReStores?

    Volunteers must be at least 16 years old to work in Habitat’s ReStores.

  • What is the time commitment for the ReStores?

    The ReStores can accommodate volunteers between 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday-Saturday. Volunteers can put in a full day or a few hours at the ReStores.

  • What should I wear?

    Please wear clothing that you do not mind getting dirty or possibly damaged. Sturdy, hard-soled, closed-toed, closed-heeled shoes are required. No sandals or slip-on shoes allowed. Pants are recommended, but shorts are acceptable.

  • What size group can volunteer in the ReStores?

    Groups of up to 10 people can volunteer in the ReStores. All youth groups must be accompanied by an adult 21 or older in a five-to-one ratio.

Contact Information

If you have further questions, please contact:

  • Deb Light, Volunteer Director: 614-364-7020
  • Rachel Hardin, Volunteer & Community Resource Manager: 614-364-7030
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