Review Safety Guidelines
Special Projects
To volunteer contact:
David Snyder, Volunteer Coordinator
(919) 542-0794, ext. 228
davidsnyder@chathamhabitat.org
Church groups contact:
Bett Foley, Faith Relations
(919) 542-0794, ext. 222
bettfoley@chathamhabitat.org
On the work site contact:
Jack Heuer, Site Manager
(919) 650-8091
jackheuer@chathamhabitat.org
2010 AmeriCorps members:
Lauren Burke
Harold Hodson
Megan Carroll
Patrick Cooney
volunteer: construction
Thank you for your willingness to partner with Chatham Habitat.
Our construction sites are open on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Saturday and by appointment on other days for groups of 10 or more.
requirements
We ask that you review our safety guidelines, print out and fill out a volunteer waiver (pdf), and sign up for a time slot using Volunteer Hub. You may also contact the construction staff directly by e-mail or phone. Review the on-line construction schedule and maps to determine where you will be working.
You must be at least 16 years old to volunteer on the construction site. Minors who are 16 or 17 years old are welcome but they are not allowed to use power tools or work on rooftops. They must also printout and and fill out a waiver for minors (pdf).
construction tasks
Tasks vary and may include painting, drywall, framing, carpentry, roofing, electrical, plumbing, site clean-up, and landscaping. No experience is necessary – we’ll train you and assign you to a task you feel comfortable with.
You’ll most likely work alongside our construction site manager, four AmeriCorps members, and other volunteers, including members of our Habitat partner families.
what you need
Wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes and clothes that you don’t mind getting dirty. We also recommend sunscreen if you will be working outside. We provide tools but feel free to bring your own if you wish. We advise that you place your name and phone number on them.
the construction day
The construction day begins promptly at 8:30 a.m. and ends at 3:30 p.m., though this is subject to change during the summer. Please arrive on time for the initial briefing, when a staff or AmeriCorps member discusses the day’s projects, provides training, and assigns tasks. We prefer that you volunteer for the entire day but we are willing to work with your schedule.
A lunch break is usually held at noon. We provide water throughout the day but you will need to bring your own food and utensils. If you are part of a group, check with your coordinator to find out if lunch will be provided.
in case of rain
Much of our construction can occur even if there is a light drizzle, especially if the day’s tasks are indoors. However, heavy rain, extremely wet conditions, or lightning are not safe for our volunteers. The construction staff determines if a workday is canceled. If you are not sure, call the construction site supervisor.