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What
if I don’t have any building experience?
Who needs to attend volunteer
orientation?
What can volunteers do?
What do construction volunteers
do?
Are there other volunteer opportunities
besides construction?
Will somebody knowledgeable in
construction be on site?
What time do you start?
What do we need to do when we
first arrive?
Do we need to bring anything?
What should we wear?
How big is the work group?
May my kids come with me to the
construction site?
Do you have anything that kids
can do?
I don't see my question here,
who do I call?
No experience is necessary to help build with Habitat. All
you need is a willing heart and interest in learning. There
is a trained, experienced supervisor at each shift that will
teach the volunteers about the task. Volunteers with Habitat
for Humanity not only help others, but can learn exciting
new skills too!
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If you are interested in being a volunteer with Lakeshore
Habitat you need to attend an orientation. Groups that are
volunteering should send at least two representatives or talk
with the Construction Project Coordinator about a group orientation
at your site.
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Everything! Volunteers provide
over 80% of the work at Lakeshore Habitat. We need volunteers
both on and off the construction site.
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Typical volunteer activities include framing, roofing, siding,
drywall, cleanup, insulation, painting, interior work and
landscaping.
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Yes! There is a wide range of office-related opportunities,
including data entry, filing, human resource management, public
relations, even English/Spanish translation. The Habitat ReStore
also needs volunteers to assist with inventory, retail sales
and other opportunities. Experience is not required for office
or Restore volunteers.
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Yes, there is at least one site supervisor on-site who is
very experienced in construction. Lakeshore Habitat for Humanity's
site supervisors are also patient teachers and will be able
to instruct people of any age and ability in the building
of a house. They start each day with a prayer, introductions
and a rundown of what is going to happen that day so it is
important to be on-site on time.
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Lakeshore Habitat for Humanity has two shifts: 8am to 12noon
and 1pm to 4pm. It is most rewarding to work both shifts if
schedules permit. Please be courteous to the site supervisor
and your group by arriving on time.
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After you arrive introduce yourself to the site supervisor,
sign the Volunteer Log sheet so we can keep our records straight,
and make a name tag for yourself.
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Lakeshore Habitat for Humanity provides all the tools necessary
for whatever will be accomplished that particular day. Of
course, we understand if people prefer their own tools and
wish to bring them along. They may certainly bring their own
hammer, tool belt, utility knife, etc.
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It is best to dress appropriate to the weather. While most
of the work will happen indoors, the houses are not heated
or air-conditioned. Whatever you would feel comfortable wearing
outside is probably what you should wear on-site.
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In our experience, we have found 8 volunteers per shift to
be the maximum efficient number. Often the site supervisors
have to teach individuals as well as guide and direct the
group as a whole. More than 8 volunteers often leads to unnecessary
"standing around," while less than 8 does not allow us to
work to our fullest capabilities.
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Unfortunately there are regulations set forth by Habitat for
Humanity International and OSHA that limit many of the activities
of a Habitat work site to persons 18 and older. Under that
age, we can only allow painting and landscaping activities
with adequate adult supervision. Please talk with our Construction
Project Coordinator regarding specific situations or to schedule
an adult supervised youth work day.
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Click here
to send an email to Haley Banks, our Volunteer Coordinator,
or give him a call at 616.393.8001, ext. 103.
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