Volunteer Construction Opportunities For Individuals

Thank you for your interest in our volunteer program at Habitat for Humanity of Winchester-Frederick County!

How can I be a good volunteer?
Your enthusiasm and upbeat attitude makes all the difference in the world as a productive volunteer. Your fellow-volunteers will appreciate it, and we’ll want you to come back. Very important is to show up when you promised, or call your volunteer captain or coordinator to let us know that something has detained you. Even though you won’t be paid for your time, we depend on and have planned the build day based on the responsibility to which you have committed.

When can I volunteer?
Habitat construction work schedules vary according to location and type of construction. Our construction program normally begins in the spring and finishes in the fall. The current build schedules is posted on the VolunteerHub. To self-register online, go to our VolunteerHub and follow directions.

As an individual, do I have to sign up ahead of time?
Yes. In order to provide a meaningful, safe volunteer experience, each construction site has a limit of how many volunteers can be present on any given build day.

How do I know where to volunteer?
If we are currently in our build season, you may view the current build day schedule, at VolunteerHub and scroll down to see the build schedules, locations and instructions for each construction site. Online registration is easy—you’ll be guided by the program all the way.

Can I sign up to volunteer several weeks or months ahead?
Yes—sign up for as many volunteer days as you can. We try to extend our build schedule out several months in advance. Keep visiting the VolunteerHub often to see updated build day schedules. As with any dynamic construction project, changes occur and weather some times does not cooperate, causing us to revise the schedule. If you are registered on a build day that changes, you will be notified by email.

How often can I volunteer?
The commitment is up to you. You may volunteer just once; but we hope you will volunteer as often as possible. If we suddenly find that we need a wave of volunteers to finish a special job, we may email or call you. But, we know your volunteerism is based on your availability. We only want you to volunteer if you are willing and available.

What if I can only come on Saturday?
That's great! Saturday is a popular volunteer day.

What's it like to volunteer on weekdays?
No different. We’re blessed to have some very loyal volunteers come in regularly through the week. Often, these volunteers enjoy long-term relationships developed with other volunteers and with our staff. Nonetheless, new additions are always welcome and we encourage you to use the VolunteerHub to find out where we are working each week.

What skills are required?
No specific skills are required, just a willingness to learn. There will be a crew leader on site to show you what needs to be done and how to do it. We recommend you take the online safety course before you come out. It only takes 30 min. to complete. Go to Habitat - Online Safety Course.

What tools do I need to bring?
If you have no tools to bring, that’s okay--we have some. It would be helpful if you bring a set of basic tools: hammer, nail apron, tape measure and pencil. If you have other basic tools, for example a utility knife, gloves, siding snips, etc. you may bring them as well. It is very important that you label all of your tools with your name or initials. Bring your own water bottle. The VolunteerHub will tell you about lunch—most often volunteers should bring their own lunches. Wear close-toed shoes and layers of work clothes that you don’t mind getting dirty. Depending on the work for any given day, you may be asked to wear a hard hat and safety glasses and/or safety mask (if you are sanding).

What will happen when I arrive at the site?
At the beginning of each workday, we like to start the morning with a prayer, introductions, a safety talk and instructions. You'll be asked to sign a release of liability, if you don’t bring one with you. The group will then work on the various building tasks.

Will I need to sign a Release of Liability?
Each Habitat volunteer must sign a Release of Liability form agreeing to take personal responsibility for any accidents or injuries on the job. Most individuals have a personal health insurance plan that covers them while engaged in volunteer work. However, you should verify your coverage prior to coming to the work site.

Is there a minimum age requirement?
You must be at least 14 years old to work on a construction site and at least 16 years to work around powers tools. Those under age 18 may not use power tools, climb ladders, or work on scaffolding or the roof. Volunteers under the age of 18 must have a Release of Liability form signed by their parent or guardian, and bring the form to the job site on your volunteer day.

What if I need to do Court-Ordered community service?
Habitat for Humanity of Winchester-Frederick County welcomes volunteers who are required by a court to do community service. While all of our volunteer opportunities are open to such volunteers, typically court-ordered volunteers will volunteer either in construction or at our ReStore. Community service volunteers (including school, court and lawyer-recommended) are to call the staff Volunteer Coordinator at 540-662-7066. Please review the Court-Ordered Community Service Agreement form that must be submitted prior to being scheduled for your hours.

What if I have a group who wants to volunteer?
Volunteer groups may be arranged through our staff Volunteer Coordinator. Visit our Group Construction Volunteer page to learn more. To learn more about Habitat for Humanity’s sponsorship program visit the Donate page.

Other volunteer questions?
Please call 540-662-7066 or email volunteer@habitatwfc.org