Habitat staff will greet you, confirm your registration, have you sign the volunteer waiver and sign in. Once everyone has arrived, we will begin the volunteer orientation. You will never be asked to do anything you are not comfortable doing. We want you to have a great volunteer experience.

All our projects are built primarily with inexperienced volunteers who have a willingness to learn. Our construction supervisors will teach you everything you need to know.

Please arrive 10 minutes prior to your scheduled shift to ensure the build day starts on time and you'll be able to participate in the volunteer orientation.

Lunch is not always provided for build days. However, sometimes local restaurants, churches or individuals will donate food for lunch. Please check with the community engagement coordinator to find out if lunch will be provided for your build day. You are always welcome to bring a cooler with lunch, or pick up food from a nearby restaurant.

Volunteers must be 16 or older to be on an active construction site. Any volunteers that are 16 or 17 will be limited on what they can do per our insurance policy. For instance, they cannot use power tools or climb ladders and must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Volunteers under the age of 16 are only allowed to complete special projects at the discretion of the Construction Manager. If you or your group has members under the age of 18, please contact the office at (479) 335-5970 to discuss options. All volunteers under the age of 18 must have a minor waiver filled out by a parent or guardian. Volunteers 18 years of age and older have no restrictions.

All volunteers must wear closed toe/heel shoes at all volunteer locations. Absolutely no sandals, flip flops, heels or crocs. Your dress should be family friendly and appropriate for the weather. Our construction site jobs are primarily outside and sometimes take place rain or shine. Please choose clothing that you don't mind getting dirty or even ruined. Even a day or two after a rain, the job site will most likely be muddy. Long sleeve shirts and long pants can help protect you from sun, cuts and scrapes and irritations. Layers are good in cold weather to help you regulate your comfort level. Please dress accordingly.

We typically do not know this until the day of the project or, at the earliest, a couple days in advance. There are many factors that go into what phase a construction site is in. These include weather, permits, inspections, sub-contractors, material delivery and much more. Therefore, we never promise what tasks will be completed on a construction site for any given day. If you really need to know, please contact the office at (479) 335-5970 and we will try our best to give you some possibilities. It is best to come into a volunteer shift with an open mind, ready to accomplish any task that may be needed that day.

Our construction crew are on-site most days rain or shine. Severity of the weather is and currently scheduled projects will determine if volunteers will be able to work that day. Most of our projects are outside, exterior projects. We reserve the right to cancel a volunteer shift due to weather limitations. For example, a group that is scheduled to paint outside will not be able to paint in the rain. If we do have to cancel, we will let you and/or your group know as soon as possible. We will try to reschedule you or move you to a different project if possible.

While you are welcome to bring your own tools if you would like, it is not necessary. Our construction crew will provide you with all the tools needed for the project on your volunteer day, including safety equipment. Habitat will not be responsible for your personal tools.

Yes, you can complete your hours on a construction site. You must first notify the Community Engagement Coordinator of your intent to do so by calling (479) 335-5970 AND you must receive a response. This will ensure that your onsite hours are properly logged for confirmation. Failure to notify the Community Engagement Coordinator and receive a response prior to beginning construction site volunteering may result in those hours not being recognized as completed.