Volunteer - Construction | Lawrence Habitat

VOLUNTEER

CONSTRUCTION

Volunteer: Build Site & Repairs

The work of Habitat for Humanity has literally moved on the shoulders of volunteers.

--Millard Fuller, Habitat Founder

Build Site

What's a typical day on the build site?

What to expect depends on what stage of the building process we are in. You can anticipate working on any of the following:

Framing
Sheet Rock
Shingles
Trim
Caulking
Painting
Siding
Site clean up

Here's what you can count on happening on the build site:

We build on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday from 9:00am -3:00pm
Volunteers should come with a face mask, a reusable water bottle, your lunch/snacks, close-toed shoes, work gloves, and dressed for the weather (sunglasses, hat, sunscreen, bug spray, etc).
16 & 17 year-olds must have a youth waiver signed by a parent/guardian.
All volunteers must sign a simple waiver on site before beginning work.
It is an active construction site - ground is uneven, tools are around and it can be loud.

Safety on the Build Site

The safety of our volunteers is Lawrence Habitat's top priority.

The #1 cause of work site injury are falls!

If you are on a ladder or a foot stool, confirm that it is securely placed on level ground and if needed, utilize a spotter to keep the ladder in place.
Step down carefully.
Be aware of what's on the floor around you. If it's wet outside, floors may be slick.

Know your limits.

Accidents happen when you don't ask for help, are tired, dehydrated or do tasks that are beyond your physical limitations.

Respect the weather.

Hot out? Take frequent water breaks. Cold? Wear layers!
Wear sunscreen.

Use the safety equipment available on site.

Use protective eye wear when cutting lumber.
Use ear plugs -- many contractors can attest to the fact that loud power tools effect your hearing.
Wear a face mask when doing sheet rock work.

Sign up to Volunteer!

Volunteers must sign up here or with Kelley, Events and Volunteer Manager, to be on the construction site or to assist with repairs.

Helpful Details:

Please arrive a few minutes early so you can get signed in before orientation begins.
The workday will be ON, unless you hear otherwise from us the morning of.
You will be working alongside the homeowners, new volunteers, and experienced volunteers. Our construction or repairs manager, who will have the work detailed out and will walk you through everything needed. If you have questions or need assistance during the work day, please speak up! If you can pick up a tool, you can volunteer on our sites!
Volunteers interested in building are required to watch our Safeguarding Volunteer orientation video. Click here to watch it now.

VOLUNTEER SIGN-UP

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you have to have construction experience to work on the build site or complete repairs?

No! We welcome volunteers of all skill levels. Never swung a hammer? No problem.

Do volunteers need to be able to get on the roof and work on ladders?

No! There is a job for all abilities/limitations a volunteer may have. We respect your limitations and expect you to as well.

Can you volunteer as an individual or do you have to be a part of a group?

While many of our volunteers come out with groups from their business or church, we absolutely encourage individuals to come out on their own to volunteer.

What seasons does Habitat build houses and complete repairs?

We build and repair all year round.

Do you have to bring your own tools to volunteer?

No! Volunteers are not required to bring any tools, unless they have a favorite hammer or tool belt they would like to use. Leave your power tools at home -- Habitat does not allow volunteers to bring/use their own power tools.