Volunteer

Frequently Asked Questions

I've never held a hammer in my life; can I still work on site?  

We welcome volunteers of all skill levels and we provide all the training you will need! No previous construction experience is required to volunteer with us. Please however be aware that construction is a physically demanding activity. We require every volunteer to complete a waiver before participating in any construction activity.

​

How old do I have to be to volunteer?

Volunteers may be as young as 13 years of age and are permitted to paint, do landscaping, or do other duties when construction is not in progress. Volunteers ages 16-17 can participate in construction. In order to work off floor level or use power tools, volunteers must be at least 18 years of age. Volunteers must be at least 16 years old to volunteer at the ReStore.​
At our construction sites and ReStore, for each group of four minors (under age 18), there must be one adult (over age 21) present. All volunteers under 18 must have a waiver signed by their parent or legal guardian. 

What time do I need to be onsite?

Times vary depending on the job site. Please call us to learn about our current volunteer opportunities and their hours. When you register for a build day, you will receive additional information specific to your job site.

It's raining! What do I do?

Don’t fret! We often build during the rain, but if weather conditions cause safety concerns, your build day could be canceled. If the build day has not been canceled, please bring rain gear and be prepared to work outside.

What will I be doing at the ReStore?

Wear comfortable clothes that you don’t mind getting dirty and closed-toe shoes (athletic shoes or boots are best; please no ballet slippers, crocs, heels, clogs, or sandals). The ReStore can get cool so please bring a sweater or sweatshirt. Please bring your own pair of work gloves.

Can I bring a group?

Certainly! We can accommodate groups of up to 5 people at the ReStore and 5 people at the construction site. Contact us to coordinate.

How does my time help Habitat?

Every task a volunteer does helps ease our operational costs, keeping our overhead cost down so more of the money received funds Northwoods Habitat for Humanity home building projects. Nationally, the ReStore program is one of the largest sources of unrestricted funding for Habitat, second only to the mortgage repayments we receive.

I'll be there all day. Do you provide lunch?

We will provide lunch on the build site, but not at the ReStore. We do have a kitchen with a microwave and refrigerator at the ReStore.

Do Volunteers receive a discount for working at ReStore?

No, but our prices are already low. However, merchandise must be available to the public for two working days before a volunteer may purchase it.

I have some physical limitations; can I still volunteer?

Yes! We need office volunteers to help with database administration, our online accounts and answering the phone. Also, our cashiers stay at the register, greet customers and ring up purchases.

Can I bring my personal items with me to volunteer?

The ReStore does not provide lockers for volunteers. On build sites volunteers may choose to lock their items in their vehicle. Volunteers are responsible for the items they bring. 

Why do I have to sign a Volunteer Waiver?

Everyone must sign the Volunteer Agreement, Assumption of Risk, and Release Liability Form before they are allowed to begin work. Northwoods Habitat for Humanity is required to have a record of your participation for legal, insurance, and statistical purposes. You must sign these forms annually.