Drop them off at the ReStore! Tools and materials needed for a build project are pulled by our construction team.
The ReStore is a retail shop that sells building materials, appliances, furniture, and other home goods. Open six days a week, it’s a great resource for affordable pieces for your home. It’s also a tremendous community resource; the ReStore provides materials when a local nonprofit or house of worship needs assistance with a repair or renovation. For more information about the ReStore, click here!
Applications are NOT accepted on a rolling basis. To learn more and/or be notified when applications open, get in touch with our Director of Homebuyer Services at patty@fredhab.org.
We are continuously evolving and changing our procedures to keep everyone as safe and healthy as possible. Your health is our first priority.
At this time, we are accepting vaccinated volunteers at our ReStore, including court-related or community service volunteers.
If you are interested in being a volunteer, click on Log into Galaxy to log into your account or create a new one! Thank you for your patience and understanding as we navigate this unprecedented time.
At this time, for volunteers who are already trained and established in our system, we have significant limitations to our program.
The Build Site will not be accepting new volunteer applications, for the time being, with an expected re-evaluation date at the end of June 2021. Existing volunteers can continue to sign up for shifts in our Galaxy system.
The ReStore is currently accepting new volunteers who are fully vaccinated to register and sign up for shifts on the system. We appreciate any regular ReStore volunteers who are still able to help us during this unprecedented time!
With questions or for more information, established volunteers should email or call our Volunteer Coordinator.
[These procedures last updated on this site: 06/01/2021. For most recent updates, please stay informed through our volunteer emails and newsletters.]
Under the “Volunteer” drop down menu at the top of the page, select “Log into Galaxy.” Galaxy is our volunteer management system.
You will need to register in Galaxy, and then Galaxy will guide you through the process (including watching safety videos, signing a waiver, etc.)
Once your online qualification process is complete, you use Galaxy to sign up for volunteering shifts at your convenience!
All volunteers must attend undergo an informal background check, attend an orientation session, sign the volunteer waiver, and watch a safety video and take a safety quiz that relates to their area of volunteering. (For example, a Build Site volunteer will watch the Build Site safety video.) During this time of covid-19, our orientation process is completed entirely online. The process begins with signing up for Galaxy. If you have any questions or need help, please don't hesitate to reach out to our Volunteer Coordinator.
All volunteers must be 16 years of age or more. Volunteers 16 and 17 years old must provide a waiver signed by their parent or guardian. All volunteers need to fill out a liability waiver at least once per year. This is a requirement for all volunteers, even if you aren’t on the Build Site. At this time, the process of collecting the waivers is completed electronically, through our Galaxy system.
No! While we warmly welcome volunteers with building experience, no previous knowledge is needed to make a difference. A safety briefing is conducted at the beginning of the workday, as well as an overview of any tools you need to be familiar with.
We also have volunteer opportunities in our office, at the ReStore, and on special teams, like Women Build or our Board of Directors.
Yes. There are tasks on a Build Site that are suitable for everyone. Please check in with staff members about your limitations, and if you have medication you need, please bring it with you. Take breaks when you need them, too!
Absolutely! This is one of the little known benefits your employer might offer, and very few employees take advantage of these programs. Check your employer’s HR department for more information. Habitat International also keeps a searchable list on their website.
Yes! Volunteering as a group involves additional legwork for both the group and for Habitat. We generally cannot accept very large groups (more than ten to fifteen people) on a Build Site or at the ReStore, as it compromises safety.
Fill out our Group Volunteer Request Form or contact volunteer@fredhab.org for more information.
Generally, Habitat does not provide lunch. We provide water, and volunteers are asked to "brown bag" their own lunch. Occasionally, a volunteer or donor will provide lunch to volunteers. In that case, participants will be notified!
No, tools are available on site. You are welcome to bring tools along, but please be sure to mark which tools are yours and to inventory your tools at the end of the day.
On the Build Site and the ReStore, closed-toe footwear and appropriate clothing are REQUIRED. Please dress with consideration for the weather (i.e. if it is raining, bring a jacket and rain boots).
When volunteering in the ReStore, be prepared to a lot of walking, carrying items for customers, and helping rearrange displays that include heavy materials.
If volunteering in the office, clean and modest clothing is required. Volunteers are welcome to wear jeans, for instance.
The construction supervisor for a project site will make a call about bad weather. Generally, that call is made the evening before a project and emailed out to everyone signed up for the project. On occasion, unusual weather, a shortage of volunteers, or other situation will result in a cancellation the morning of a project. Emails are ONLY sent to volunteers who have signed up for the project.
If you need to cancel, please notify us as soon as possible if you will not be able to attend. A 24-hour notice is appreciated, in order to give other volunteers the opportunity to fill the empty slot.
