Volunteering for Habitat For Humanity
Swinging a hammer is not the only way to volunteer at Habitat for Humanity of New Castle County. We welcome group and individuals from all walks of life to join us in changing lives and landscapes.
your time builds
their future
When you volunteer in construction, you’ll see changes in the house, changes in the surrounding neighborhood, and changes within yourself. Sound like a great way to spend a day (or two, or three)?
sustainability
ReStore volunteers keep our two resale stores stocked and running smoothly. A great option for creative, customer service oriented volunteers who prefer to work inside.
community
From office support to community outreach and hospitality — there is no shortage of options for service at Habitat!
Ready to volunteer? Check out these FAQs first.
frequently asked questions
What should I wear to volunteer?
We recommend that you dress appropriately for the weather and wear clothes that you don’t mind getting dirty. Whether you’re volunteering on the construction site or at the ReStore, you should be wearing the following items:
- Closed toed/heel shoes – we recommend athletic shoes or steel toed boots. No crocs, heels, clogs, sandals, etc.
- Long pants – no shorts and avoid leggings
- Short sleeved or long sleeved t-shirts
- Mask Policy – Unvaccinated volunteers will be required to wear a mask. Vaccinated volunteers are not require to wear a mask at their discretion.
If I'll be there all day, do you provide lunch?
If you choose to sponsor with us for the day, we will be happy to provide lunch for you and your group. Otherwise, Habitat for Humanity of New Castle County can coordinate ordering lunch for your group working on the construction sites. Please make arrangements for selection and payment with the volunteer coordinator when booking your volunteer date.
What are the age requirements?
Due to Delaware Child Labor Law, no one under the age of 16 is permitted to volunteer on the construction sites or at the ReStore. If you are over 14 years of age, you can participate in other volunteer activities including special events, landscaping and “Rock the Block” clean-up activities. We also offer some great options for holding events to benefit Habitat.
If you are under the age of 18 years of old, your liability form requires a Parent/Guardian Signature. You can register online on our VolunteerLocal page, where you will be automatically prompted to sign the waiver. Please note: these forms are only valid for one calendar year.
Can I show up at any job site?
We love your ambition – but no. Every construction and ReStore volunteer must schedule their volunteer time in advance in order to ensure that we have space, materials and supervisors available. To sign up as a volunteer, please visit our VolunteerLocal site.
What do I need to bring on the day I volunteer?
When you successfully register online, you are automatically prompted to sign the volunteer waiver. However, if you are under the age of 18 years of old, a parent or guardian must sign your form. These forms are only valid for one calendar year.
Can I schedule a group?
Our doors are open for volunteer opportunities with groups of no more than 10 people. These opportunities will be on limited days (Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays) and be scheduled month-to-month. For more information, please contact volunteer@habitatncc.org.
Do I need construction experience?
Nope, you don’t. We welcome both skilled and unskilled construction volunteers. Our only requirements are that you be at least 16 years old, willing to listen to our staff, obey all safety instructions and have the desire to help. We have site supervisors who will lead you through the building process.
What will I be doing?
If you are volunteering on a construction site, your assignment will depend on where we are in the construction schedule. You may be painting, framing, helping with demolition, roofing, insulation, etc. Every day is different!
ReStore volunteers may assist the Habitat ReStore team with donation pick up, displaying items in the store, organizing and pricing merchandise, and assisting customers. While it is not required that volunteers be able to lift heavy objects, those who are able and willing to lift heavier items are always welcome! All volunteers that are willing to lift objects are asked to bring gloves.
What about court ordered volunteer service?
If you are volunteering with Habitat to satisfy your required and(or) recommended court ordered community service requirements, you must complete a Community Service Acknowledgement and Background Check Consent Form. These forms need to be turned in and reviewed by the Habitat office at least 3 weeks prior to volunteering. You will be required to pay for the Background Check to be performed before you can volunteer. Please contact volunteer@habitatncc.org for the required consent forms.
What about community service hours for students?
If you are volunteering for another type of community service requirement (school, work, social services program, etc.), please register on our VolunteerLocal page to reserve your volunteer spot and track your hours. Student volunteers on the construction sites and at the ReStore must be at least 16 years old.
The Habitat NCC ReStores in Wilmington and Middletown are a great place to give back to our community.
If you have questions, please call (302) 652-0365 ext. 107 or contact volunteer@habitatncc.org.
What if I have a lot of construction experience?
Great! We’d love to have you join our Regulars – a special crew of skilled volunteers who volunteer regularly and may help to lead groups throughout the week and do more specialized tasks than an average volunteer can manage. Please contact us at volunteer@habitatncc.org if you’re interested in becoming a Regular.
I have a different question
Contact our Volunteer Coordinator at volunteer@habitatncc.org or 302.652.0365 x107