QUESTION: How can I volunteer?

You don’t have to be a skilled craftsman to help build a Habitat home. Although we do need volunteers skilled in such tasks as rough framing, roofing, electrical, plumbing, painting, vinyl siding, and finish carpentry, we also need unskilled volunteers who are willing to learn. Even if you’ve never held a hammer in your hand, we can teach you.

There are no “male” or “female” jobs with Habitat. In fact, we’ve built five houses using women volunteers almost exclusively.

Volunteers must be at least 16 to work on the construction site and at least 14 to work at the Habitat Home Store, but there is no upper age limit. We leave that to your own discretion.

You don’t have to make a long-term commitment. We practice “precision scheduling” of our volunteers so we know exactly who’s coming to work on each day. You can commit to one day at a time, or you can sign up for several days, if you like. We only ask that you meet your commitment if at all possible, and that you call us in advance if you need to cancel so we can find a replacement.

There’s plenty of work for everyone, including those with limited physical strength, those who are uncomfortable with heights, and those who can only contribute a few hours of their time. Here are some examples:

• Paint doors and woodwork. Touch up wall paint.

• Install door knobs and other trim. Caulk and fill nail holes.

• Clean house before our partner family moves in.

• Provide meals, snacks, and drinks for construction volunteers.

• Help with administrative tasks such as preparing newsletters for mailing,

coordinating volunteers, keeping records, or writing thank you notes.

• Support the Habitat Home Store by volunteering or by donating items for resale.

• Raise money for construction through your church, civic organization, employer or other source.

• Donate materials and services that will reduce our cost of building a home.

• Invite us to meet with your church; your civic, social or professional organization; your employer; or other sources of volunteers, materials, or funds.

• Serve as a member of the board of directors, a committee member, or a sponsor for one of our partner families.

For more information on volunteer opportunities, please call:

For construction: (865) 640-5578

For the Habitat Home Store: (865) 988-7427

For general questions: (865) 986-3388

Posted 12/18/07