Frequently Ask Questions
I've never volunteered with Habitat for Humanity East Bay. How can I learn more about the organization?
Attend an orientation and house tour every first Saturday of each month from 10:00am to 11:00am at the current construction developments. We recommend attending a volunteer orientation before your first volunteer day, although it is not mandatory.
How old do I have to be (or can I be) to volunteer?
Volunteers must be 16 years old or older. Volunteers under the age of 18 must bring a minor waiver form, signed by a parent, with them to the construction site on their scheduled build day. Minor volunteers may not operate power tools or work at heights above six feet.
When can I volunteer for construction?
The construction sites are open Wednesday through Saturday, from 8:30am until 4pm, and we ask that volunteers commit a full work day. It is important to arrive on time so that you do not miss sign-in, safety instruction, and work crew assignments.
What do I do if it's raining?
Call the rain line the morning of your volunteer day at (510) 251-6304 ext. 317 after 7am to learn if the site will be open. If the message makes no mention of rain, assume the site is open. If the site will be closed due to rain, the message will say so. Please do not leave a message on this voicemail.
What should I bring? Lunch? Tools?
The site breaks for lunch at noon each day and we recommend bringing a bag lunch. We have tables and benches on site, as well as a hand-washing station. We provide jugs of tap water and recommend bringing a refillable water bottle.
Habitat provides the basic tools you will need. You may bring your own tools if you like, but be sure to label them well with your name. Consider bringing a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, water bottle, and any other personal items to keep you cool and comfortable. Bring layered clothing for cooler days.
What should I wear?
Wear closed-toed shoes and clothes you don't mind getting dirty, painted, or ruined. Many volunteers wear sneakers, shorts or jeans, and an old t-shirt and sweatshirt. Layer for the weather, and bring a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen to stay protected from the sun. Bring rain gear during the winter, as we will work through light rain.
What kind of work will we do?
All sorts of work takes place on a Habitat construction site. Please be prepared to assist in whatever the day's tasks may be and remember that every job helps to build homes! If you have special skills--don't be shy!--let construction staff know upon your arrival in case you can be of unique assistance. While tasks often include using power tools or working at heights, volunteers will not be expected to do any task that make them uncomfortable.
What if I've never done any construction before?
All skill levels are welcome. We assume no skills or prior construction experience, and the construction staff will provide plenty of instruction and supervision throughout the day.
What if I need community service hours for school?
We will gladly provide a letter documenting your volunteer contributions. We request at least one week notice to generate your letter, so please plan accordingly. Contact the Volunteer Coordinator at 510-251-6304 ext.311 or volunteer@habitatEB.org.
What if I need community service hours for court?
We accommodate volunteers with court-ordered service for traffic violations only. Volunteers must notify us that their volunteerism is court-ordered and provide documentation of their offense prior to scheduling their build day. Court-ordered volunteers must bring their own documentation, and request that the construction site supervisor sign the document at the end of each build day. The opportunity to serve all required hours with Habitat East Bay is not guaranteed.
Contact the Volunteer Coordinator at 510-251-6304 ext.311 or volunteer@habitatEB.org.
How do I sign up to volunteer?
Volunteers must schedule their build days in advance. Because it's important to us that all our volunteers have a productive and rewarding experience, we only recruit the number of volunteers that we can safely and comfortably accomodate on each day. Therefore, volunteers must reserve a spot for themselves before their build day by registering online through our website. When we have recruited the maximum number of volunteers that we can host on a particular day, we will no longer recruit additional volunteers. To register for a build day, please visit http://eastbay.volunteerhub.com.
