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 people from all walks of life to join us in changing lives and landscapes.
COVID update
Individual and group volunteers have been and will continue to be an integral part of Habitat achieving its mission here in New Castle County. During the early part of the Corona virus crisis, we suspended volunteer activities out of an abundance of caution.
At this time, we are looking at how we can safely accommodate prospective homeowners on site, so they can achieve their sweat equity hours, so they can successfully complete our homeownership program.
We are not accepting any other individual or group volunteers for the foreseeable future. We will continue to monitor information about the spread of the virus, and look forward to the time when we can get back to hosting more volunteers at our construction sites and ReStores.
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!
Building on faith.
faith groups & congregations
We invite congregations to put their faith into action by partnering with Habitat:
- Schedule a Team Build on a construction site or in one of our ReStores
- Invite Habitat NCC to speak at a service, committee meeting or youth group
- Pass the Hat for Habitat – donate a collection from a service
- Promote Habitat’s homebuying program to potential partner families
- Advocate for affordable and inclusive housing in your community
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
If I'll be there all day, do you provide lunch?
While there is no free lunch, 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. Click here to fill out the form. 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 VolunteerHub site.
What do I need to bring on the day I volunteer?
Please register online and bring your completed volunteer waiver. 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.
If you are participating in court ordered volunteer service, you must bring your court order tracking form. Similarly, if you are volunteering for school mandated community service, you must bring your school’s tracking form.
Can I schedule a group?
You bet! We have construction opportunities Tuesday through Saturday every week. We tend to book several months out, so sign up early. A group usually reserves a spot for up to 15 people. Occasionally a group will need to split between more than one project site. Accommodating a larger group is dependent on the work we have available. 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.), you must complete the Community Service Acknowledgement and you must fill out an hours log to track your volunteer hours. Click here to email us for the form. 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. 110 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, or Maritza Martinez at volunteer@habitatncc.org or 302.652.0365 x110