volunteer
make home possible
individual volunteering
be part of something great
Support Habitat’s mission – make the dream of homeownership a reality for local families in need of decent, affordable housing.
construction
ReStore duties
- Receiving donations
- Donation pickup
- Stocking
- Customer Service
committees
Committees provide ongoing organizational support & expertise.
- Family Selection
- Family Advocates
- Faith Engagement
office duties
- Reception
- Special Projects
questions?
Call us at (503) 364-6642 or email Kattrina@salemhabitat.org
sign up
If you’ve already registered, sign up for shifts on our volunteer opportunities calendar.
construction safety rules
- Pay attention to the safety of people near and around you.
- Don’t guess. If in doubt, ask!
- Report unsafe conditions to the construction manager.
- Always wear and use the appropriate safety tools and gear provided when on the job site.
- All injuries must be reported to the site supervisor right away.
Remember: A SAFE SITE IS A FUN SITE!
liability waiver
group volunteering
team building for a great cause
activities
- Build Site Preparation
- Construction
- ReStore Volunteering
No experience required on the construction site!
church groups
special projects
requirements & scheduling
All construction volunteers must be at least 16 years of age. We are able to host groups with up to 10 people. If you have a group with more than 10 people, please email Kattrina at kattrina@salemhabitat.org to see if there are opportunities for large groups available.
sign up
Is your group ready to give back? Email Kattrina@salemhabitat.org for more information and scheduling.
faq’s
What is the time commitment for volunteering? Do I need to commit to volunteering every month?
There is no minimum commitment for volunteering. We have many opportunities for you to get involved, and encourage you to get as involved as you would like.
I have been ordered to do community service hours by the court. What is the process?
What should I bring when I volunteer? Is it okay to bring tools?
Bring a water bottle, hat, sun-block, and snacks. Water will be provided. You can bring hand tools and gloves if you would like but be sure to label your tools. We have all the personal protective equipment you will need onsite, as well as all the tools needed for the work we have planned that day. We ask that you do not bring power tools to site as our construction staff would need to inspect each tool for safe operation.
What will I be doing when I volunteer at a construction site?
The stage of construction determines what you will be doing. Volunteers assist in all phases of construction, from foundation to finishes. Do not worry if you have never participated in building a home before. Our construction manager will teach you everything you need to know and make sure you feel comfortable in the task you are assigned.
What will I be doing when I volunteer at the ReStore?
Tasks at the ReStore include helping to clean and organize the store, receiving donations, pricing items, light construction, furniture assembly, and helping customers.
What happens in the event of inclement weather?
Our staff monitors the weather prior to each build day. If the tasks for the day can be done in inclement weather or are indoors, we will continue as scheduled. If the work is outside or unsafe because of weather conditions, we will send an email the morning of the scheduled shift to let volunteers know of any changes or cancellations.
How do I get community service hours verified?
Contact Kattrina@salemhabitat.org 2 business days before you need to submit your hours to the court.
What type of bathroom facilities are on site?
We have portable toilets on the construction site and a public restroom in the ReStore.
How do I bring out a group to volunteer?
We offer opportunities for groups at our construction site and ReStore. Contact Kattrina@salemhabitat.org to discuss available options for your group.
How old do I have to be to volunteer?
Construction site and ReStore volunteers must be at least 16 years old.
All minors, regardless of volunteer activity, are restricted from high risk tasks, such as working on ladders or using power tools. All minors will be prompted to print off and have a parent or guardian sign a minor permission form upon signing up for an event. These forms cover volunteer activities for 365 days from their completion. Please check opportunities carefully for specific age-related restrictions.
Do I need to attend an orientation?
No, a daily orientation will be provided by Habitat staff when you arrive for your volunteer shift. We do not require an orientation before you volunteer.
What should I wear to volunteer?
Close-toed shoes are required to volunteer and work boots are recommended. You will be turned away if you wear open-toed shoes, such as flip-flops. We recommend dressing in layers including long pants, such as jeans; a t-shirt that you would not mind getting dirty; and a hat and sun-block.
Can I arrive late or leave early?
At our construction sites, you must arrive prior to 8:15am in order to volunteer. Our morning welcome and safety briefing begins at 8:15am and our construction manager cannot be taken away from supervising the site to give safety briefings to late volunteers. Since volunteer slots are at a premium at our construction site, it is important that volunteers that sign up commit to attend a full shift. At our ReStores, the shifts are more flexible. Make sure the volunteer supervisor is aware if you need to leave early.
More questions?
If your question was not addressed here, please contact us at Kattrina@salemhabitat.org.