Serving Waseca, Steele, Dodge, Olmsted and Wabasha Counties of Minnesota

Do I need prior construction experience?

No! A willing heart and able hands are all that you need. A construction site leader will be available to train and coach you, and to answer any questions that you may have.

 

When do you build?

Most days throughout the week there is some kind of construction activity happening from 9 am to 4 pm. 

 

Can I show up any day I want, or do I need to sign up beforehand?

It is NECESSARY to sign up beforehand. We respect your time, and need to match the number of volunteers on a given day to the tasks at hand. For our current volunteer opportunities, check our online sign up calendar, or contact us.

 

Can my group volunteer?

Yes! Volunteering together on a Habitat site gives coworkers or group members a terrific way to get to know each other as people, while still accomplishing something productive.

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Do I need to bring my own tools?

No. Habitat for Humanity will provide all tools, but you may bring your own if you wish. 

 

Is it possible to know beforehand what kind of work we will be doing when we volunteer?

 Yes, to an extent. We follow an approximate job schedule, but sometimes weather, inspection schedules, and other variables can force us to change our plans at the last minute. We will do everything we can to provide you with the type of work you wish to do, but we appreciate your flexibility! No matter what you do, you will be helping to build a better home and better life for a deserving family. 

 

What's it like to work on a Habitat job site?

Volunteering on a job site is a fun and rewarding experience, but can also be physically demanding. Building homes for families in need may require you to bend, lift, stretch, walk on uneven surfaces, and complete tasks that may require some repetitive motion. Safety comes first on Habitat job sites, but it is a shared responsibility. You know your physical limitations-Habitat for Humanity does not. 

 

Can children volunteer on the work site?

It depends on their age. 

• People age 18 and older can work with no restrictions.

• Children ages 16 and 17 can perform general construction, but cannot use power tools or work on scaffolding or ladders.  They may be present on an active work site, with supervision.

• Children ages 14 and 15 may help with general cleanup, yard work, or serving lunches, only when no other construction activity is taking place. They may not be present on an active work site.

• Children ages 13 and under may not be present on Habitat job sites, for their own safety. 
   

In all cases, at least one responsible adult must accompany no more than every four youth on the site, and the adult must remain present for the entire duration of the construction day. Youth reporting to the job site without a responsible adult in the appropriate ratios will be turned away. All youth must report with a consent form signed by a parent or guardian.