Volunteers - The Heart of Habitat

At Northwoods Habitat for Humanity, volunteers are the foundation of everything we build. While Habitat must purchase building materials, pay for permits, hire subcontractors for specialized work, and employ a skilled construction manager to oversee projects, it is our volunteers who put in the bulk of the hours that make affordable housing possible.
​
On average, volunteers contribute 2,500 hours of service to each home we build. They are on site nearly every weekday from 9 a.m. until late afternoon, moving a project forward through every phase of construction. Some come nearly every day, while others join us when their schedules allow. The work is steady, hands-on, and requires commitment—but it’s also deeply rewarding.

Who Are Our Volunteers?

Our construction volunteers range from 16 to over 80 years old. Many are retirees who now use their days to give back, while others balance volunteering with work or studies. Some have backgrounds in construction, but many have built their skills by working alongside Habitat over the years. We’ve had former teachers, administrators, and countless others who learned to frame walls, hang doors, and install siding simply by showing up and being willing to help.

This past year, we were especially grateful for Henry, an intern from Bemidji State University, whose youthful strength and positive spirit were a huge help on site. Whether young or old, seasoned or brand new, our volunteers share a common trait: they are careful, meticulous, and committed to building homes that are strong, safe, and lasting.

Groups That Build Together​

In addition to individuals, we welcome groups who spend a half or full day serving together. These teams bring energy and momentum that can speed up projects significantly. So far this year, we’ve had teams from First National Bank Bemidji, Walmart, and the Northwest Minnesota Foundation. Coming soon, we’ll be welcoming the Bemidji Noon Rotary Club, AirCorps Aviation, and Affinity Plus.

Group volunteers not only accelerate the work—they also strengthen community connections and bring joy to our long-term volunteers who love meeting new people on the build site.

The Impact in Dollars and Beyond

The financial value of our volunteers’ work is incredible. By our conservative estimate, the hours put in by volunteers are worth at least $75,000 per home. But the true value goes far beyond dollars. Volunteers build relationships, create memories, and strengthen the very community they are helping to house.

How You Can Help​

Volunteering on the construction site isn’t the only way to support Habitat. We also welcome people who provide meals for our hardworking crews. A hot dish, a sack lunch, or even a tray of sandwiches from a local restaurant makes a big difference to those spending long days on site. And of course, your prayers mean the world to us—prayers for safety, provision, and relationship building as we continue this important work.

If you’ve ever thought about swinging a hammer, learning new skills, or simply lending a hand, we’d love to have you join us.
​
👉 Get started by filling out our volunteer application here: https://wkf.ms/3H3uQG2
📞 Call us at: 218-751-4649
🏠 Stop by our office at: 1357 Exchange Ave SE, Bemidji

Together, we can keep building homes—and hope—for families in our community.

Sign-up to Volunteer