Frequently Asked Questions about Volunteering with Habitat HRM
• Can I volunteer to build all year?
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What experience do I need to volunteer on a Habitat Build site?
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What do I need to know before my shift?
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What should I wear to volunteer?
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Do I need to buy safety shoes?
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What if I am unable to work a scheduled shift?
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What if the weather is bad?
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Is it possible to volunteer for a particular task?
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How old do you have to be to volunteer with Habitat?
Can I volunteer all year?
Habitat for Humanity Halifax does not currently build year round. Our build typically spans 10-16 weeks between June and September. Projects are now ongoing or in development on the South Shore, in the Annapolis Valley, and in the Cape Breton Regional Municipality. Information on all build projects is available on our Builds page.
Volunteers are needed year-round for the ReStore as well as for committees on a variety of areas for build projects in all locations. Committee needs change according to time of year, ongoing requirements and current committee membership. For more information on immediate requirements, contact volunteer@habitathrm.com.
What experience do I need to volunteer on a Habitat Build site?
No experience is required. We have onsite leadership to guide you through required tasks. You only need to have enthusiasm and a positive attitude.
Volunteers are put into crews of approximately 4-6 people with each team lead by a Crew Leader. Crew Leaders have experience in construction and/or on Habitat Build sites and will guide the team through tasks assigned by the Construction Manager. Habitat HRM will provide the tools and training necessary to complete the tasks.
What do I need to know before my shift?
When you are scheduled, you will receive a confirmation letter with site-specific details. You will be required to review safety materials, available on the S.H.E. (Safety Health and Environment) section of our Volunteers page and will have to sign a volunteer waiver. A new waiver is required for each year.
What should I wear to volunteer?
Dress appropriately for the weather and the work you'll be doing. We recommend comfortable clothing that you don't mind getting dirty. Wear long pants to minimize scrapes and cuts. Do not wear loose jewellery or watches. CSA approved footwear is required. Some pairs are available on site. Hard hats, safety glasses and work gloves are provided.
Do I need to wear safety shoes?
All volunteers are required to wear CSA approved footwear (marked with a green) whenever they are on a Habitat Build site. Habitat HRM has a limited selection of approved footwear boots on site. Note that the smallest available size is women's size 5 and the largest is men's size 12. Remember to wear or bring suitable socks. Work socks are recommended.
Can I reserve safety boots?
We are not able to accept advance requests for safety shoes as we do not have the resources to manage such requests. Shoes are available on a first come, first served basis. There are a variety of sizes and styles and volunteers will need to try on boots to find a suitable pair.
What if I am unable to work a scheduled shift?
Please let us know in advance if you are unable to participate on a shift.
In advance of the shift, contact volunteer@habitathrm.com or call 464-0274 and leave a message.
On the day of the shift, call the onsite build coordinator after 7:30 am on the day of your shift. Contact information will be provided in your confirmation letter.
What if the weather is bad?
We do build in rain and cool conditions. However, early in the build before we are roof-tight, we occasionally have to cancel because of lightening, high winds or other conditions. For weather cancellations, watch the website or call the Onsite Build Coordinator after 7:30 am on the day of your shift. Contact information will be provided in your confirmation letter.
Is it possible to volunteer for a particular task?
We identify a number of tasks for each week and try to accommodate requests. However, we are not able to guarantee assignments for a day as our schedule is subject to change.
We would like to volunteer as a family. How old do you have to be to volunteer with Habitat?
Volunteers must be 16 to work on site and 14 to volunteer at the ReStore. There are other opportunities for involvement as a family, including fundraising and welcome gifts for families. Contact volunteer@habitathrm.com for more ways to get involved as a family. |
