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Volunteer »
FAQ
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Do I have to be skilled to volunteer on the construction site? |
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All skill levels are welcome - professional, some ability, and willing to learn. Professional and skilled volunteers are encouraged to register as a Crew Leader. Crew Leaders assist the Habitat Construction staff by leading a group of less skilled volunteers for the day.
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Can I volunteer as an individual? |
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Absolutely. You’ll meet new friends giving their time and talent just like you.
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Can we volunteer as a group? |
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Yes. Fifteen volunteers is the largest size group that can be signed up through our website. You can sign up one of two ways:
a. As the designated team leader you can sign up for a work date and list the number of guests that will be coming out with you.
b. You can ask each member of your group to sign-up individually. We prefer this way because we will then have skill level information about each volunteer signed up for a specific day. This is very helpful for advance planning of the day’s tasks. If your group size is larger than 15 please contact Nichol Barton, Volunteer Coordinator at (302) 652-0365 x103 or nbarton@habitatncc.org for volunteer opportunities.
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Do you host volunteers for week long volunteer projects? |
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We do accept larger groups that would like to volunteer with us for a week. Modest accommodations are available. Contact Nichol Barton, Volunteer Coordinator at (302) 652-0365 x103 or nbarton@habitatncc.org.
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How old do I have to be to volunteer on the construction site? |
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Due to Delaware State Labor laws, and Habitat for Humanity International standards, all volunteers must be 16 years or age to work on the construction site. Under 18 volunteers (16 and 17 years old) cannot work on the roof or operate power tools.
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What opportunities do you have for volunteers under the age of 16? |
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Volunteers under the age of 16 are always encouraged to consider providing lunches or snacks for the volunteers who are working on the construction sites. Volunteers under 16 can also add their name to our ‘Under 16 Will Call’ email list. When non-construction volunteer help is needed you will be contacted through a broadcast email. Jobs may include lot clearing, lawn cutting, unloading a truck, landscaping or similar non-construction task.
If you would like information on providing lunches for the construction volunteers or if you would like to be added to the ‘Under 16 Will Call’ list please contact Nichol Barton, Volunteer Coordinator at (302) 652-0365 x103 or nbarton@habitatncc.org.
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What days can I volunteer on the construction site? |
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The construction sites are open Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturdays. The work sites are closed on Saturdays of holiday weekends. Exceptions may occur. To view current construction projects, available work days and to sign-up, you will need to register on our interactive construction calendar.
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What hours will I work? |
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The work site day is from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM with a half hour lunch. We ask that you arrive no later than 8:15 AM in order to sign in and be present when the Site Supervisor starts the day. The Site Supervisor will announce when clean up begins. It is expected that every volunteer will help with clean up at the end of the day so that everyone can leave at 3:00 PM.
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Can I work a half day? |
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We only schedule full work days 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM.
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What do I wear? What do I bring? |
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• Wear clothing that you will not worry about getting torn, stained or dirty.
• Dress in layers for warmth; we may be working outside even during the winter months.
• Wear hard-soled, closed toed shoes. Work boots or hiking boots preferred. Sneakers acceptable but not recommended.
• Long pants are suggested. Shorts can be worn but they make you vulnerable to cuts, splinters, and other accidents.
• Do not wear jewelry or loose clothing.
• Sunscreen recommended when working outdoors.
• Bring your lunch in an insulated lunch bag or cooler. Refrigeration is not available on site.
• Bring drinking water. A water cooler is usually available on site but we recommend bringing your own to be sure you have plenty to drink.
• You may wish to bring hand sanitizer as there may not be running water on site.
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Will I be working outside or inside? |
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We suggest you dress for all possibilities as the day’s tasks may change. Dress in layers to adjust to changing temperatures and bring rain gear if necessary. We do have rain suits on the work site.
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What if the report is for inclement weather, do I still go to the work site? |
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If we need to cancel a work day we will notify you by email and/or phone. We do work outside during light rain and snow. During a heavier downfall we move to inside projects.
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Do I have to bring tools? |
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Habitat will furnish all necessary tools, materials and safety equipment for use during your work day. If you would like to bring your own tools you may. At minimum, we recommend a tool belt, tape measure, hammer, safety goggles, gloves, and pencil.
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Are restroom facilities available at the construction sites? |
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Each work site has a portable tiolet. There is no running water on the construction site until the very last phase of construction. We suggest you bring hand sanitizer.
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How often can I volunteer? |
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There is no minimum number of days you have to commit to volunteer. One time, once a week, once a month, once a year. We hope that you will enjoy yourself and schedule another volunteer work day. It is of great benefit to our organization to see repeat volunteers who become familiar with working on the site as they develop their construction skills.
As your confidence and skills grow you may wish to consider registering to volunteer as a Crew Leader. Crew Leaders assist the Site Supervisors by leading a group of 4-5 less skilled volunteers for the day.
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Will I get to meet the future homeowners of the house I help to build? |
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Prospective homeowners are scheduled to work on site the same way volunteers are scheduled. Their availability on site is governed by their work, school and family schedule. Hopefully you will have the opportunity to work together.
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Can I satisfy community service requirements through Habitat for Humanity of New Castle County? |
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If you are a student at least 16 years of age and need to fulfill community service hours as a school requirement you can register and sign up for volunteer days through our interactive construction calendar. If you are interested in fulfilling court mandated community service hours please contact Nichol Barton, Volunteer Coordinator at (302) 652-0365 x103 or nbarton@habitatncc.org. Court mandated community service hours for theft and/or violent crimes cannot be satisfied through volunteering with Habitat for Humanity of New Castle County.
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What are the safety concerns involved with working on a construction site? |
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Safety is everybody's concern and is always an important consideration at any construction site. Please take a moment to view the Construction Safety video.
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