Volunteers come from all backgrounds and walks of life with a variety of interests and talents. The most popular image of a Habitat volunteer is likely that of a hard-hat wearing, hammer-wielding volunteer. Indeed, these volunteers are extremely important to Habitat’s work. HOWEVER, there are also many other ways to get involved!
If you have some time to spare and would like to make a difference in your community (and the lives of those who need a ‘hand up’ not a handout!) please consider getting involved with Habitat for Humanity of the Tri-State (HFHTS) and our mission to reduce substandard housing and homelessness in our communities.
Volunteer for a home build
Though the vast majority of first-time volunteers have no construction experience or building skills, volunteers are involved in most phases of construction. Working side-by-side with the family who will live in the house, our volunteers experience for themselves the joy created when a family is able to realize their dream of home ownership. To volunteer for a current home build or for more information, contact Melissa Payton at (304) 523-4822 melissa@hfhtristate.org.
Volunteer FAQ
What volunteer opportunities are available?
- Construction volunteering (sites vary and maximum of 8 volunteers per shift)
- Huntington ReStore volunteering (240 3rd Avenue, Huntington, WV)
- New Boston ReStore volunteering (3520 Rhodes Avenue, New Boston, OH)
When does construction take place?
Construction takes place year-round, Monday-Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
What is the “ReStore”?
The Habitat ReStore is a donation based discount outlet. Proceeds from sales are used to support Habitat building projects in: Cabell and Wayne Counties in WV; Lawrence and Scioto Counties in OH; Boyd and Greenup Counties in KY. Volunteers age 16 and older assist with customer service, store organization, and many other tasks. Retail or merchandising experience is welcome but not necessary.
Is there a minimum age for volunteering?
16 is the minimum age requirement for working on construction sites and at the ReStore. This is a Habitat International regulation. Volunteers under the age of 18 must complete a waiver of liability form that must be co-signed by a parent or guardian.
What do volunteers do on site?
Volunteers perform a huge range of tasks, depending on the stage of construction. On the day you volunteer, you could be assisting with interior demolition, framing, porch building, installing windows, insulating, painting, siding, landscaping, site clean-up or anything else that helps get the house built and ready for occupancy.
Some of the work is menial and grubby. We ask that volunteers be willing to undertake the tasks assigned to them. If you are wary of heights, please alert the construction staff when you sign in so that they can plan accordingly.
I am unskilled, does that matter?
While we welcome skilled volunteers and want to encourage those in the building trades to join us on site, the majority of our volunteers have few construction skills. Numerous volunteers remain with us on a long-term basis and volunteer regularly in order to build skills. We will train you in all aspects of construction and worksite with the hope that you will continue to volunteer, and even perhaps share your skills with unskilled volunteers in the future.
What day(s) can I volunteer?
The construction schedule is Monday-Saturday. Please contact Melissa Payton at (304) 523-4822 to schedule a build day.
Huntington and New Boston ReStore hours are Tuesday-Friday 9:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. and Saturday 9:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m. Both stores are closed on Sundays and Mondays. Volunteering at the ReStore is a great opportunity if you are able to volunteer only on Saturdays. We ask that you call a day or two before to make sure there is a need for volunteers on that date.
Can I get a ride to and from the site?
We do not provide or arrange transportation. Volunteers must have a vehicle on site because the construction staff sometimes needs to relocate them to a different work site. The staff is not able to transport you!
What if I need to cancel?
Cancellations do happen, but it is important that they be minimized. Keep in mind that once you make a reservation, our construction and ReStore staffs plan accordingly. If you need to cancel, please do so as soon as possible by contacting the HFHTS office. This will enable another volunteer to fill the vacancy.
How are volunteers supervised?
HFHTS has a professional construction staff. Our sites have a construction supervisor and many “regular volunteers” who works alongside the volunteers and provide training and general supervision. The members of the construction staff are highly skilled and are used to working with skilled and unskilled volunteers.
The ReStore has a manager and staff will supervise volunteers.
What do I need to bring to the site?
Yourself and any signed waiver forms if signed prior to day of volunteering. We will provide the tools and material (personal protection equipment) you will need. There is also plenty of water available.
Construction volunteers should wear clothes that can get dirty and are appropriate for the weather. No open-toed or open-backed shoes (e.g. clogs, crocs, Birkenstocks, flip-flops, etc.) are permitted.
ReStore volunteers must dress appropriately for a retail setting. Clothing should be comfortable and provide good coverage. Please do not wear clothing with messages or crude/offensive language.
How do I get started?
For all volunteering, contact Melissa Payton at (304) 523-4822 or melissa@hfhtristate.org.
