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Typical work day (NOTE: JULY & AUGUST TIMES ARE 1 HR EARLIER)
8:45am Sign in
9:00am Brief on-site orientation and begin work
Noon-12:30pm Lunch (brown bag or group provided)
3:00pm Clean up site
3:15pm Head home
It's ok if you have to leave early, but we'd like to know before we begin so projects are left half completed.  It's extreemly important that you arrive on time so you can get instructions at the beginning of the day from the site supervisor or AmeriCorps member.

Although your volunteer coordinator can usually predict ahead of time what the work will be for the day, please keep in mind that weather and subcontractors may alter the work schedule. Your patience and flexibility is greatly appreciated if we have to change or postpone work.

Inclement Weather Policy

If your group will be working inside, or if there is an option to work inside, work will go on as scheduled rain or shine. If you are scheduled to work outside, or if there is a question about winter weather, please call the Habitat office at (434) 293-9066 to get information about cancellations.  You can also check our weather update line on the left hand side of this page.
Faces at the Construction Site

AmeriCorps Crew Leader:
On-site liaison between Habitat and a sponsor group. AmeriCorps can answer any question you may have or help you get the answer.  One AmeriCorp is responsible for all work on each jobsite and supported by the site supervisor and construction manager. 

Site Supervisor:
Construction staff member who is responsible for the jobsites under construction. The Site Supervisor can troubleshoot various problems and teach you how to use tools, etc.

Volunteer Coordinator:
Chances are you will have emailed or spoken with our Volunteer Coordinator before your jobsite visit. Often on site to help with sign-in and say hi, the Coordinator may also be helping as a Crew Leader.  In addition to questions about the tasks they are leading, they can answer your questions about Habitat.

Construction Manager:
Construction staff member primarly responsible for making things run smoothly. They do a lot of behind the scenes planning and scheduling with the Partner Families, subcontractors, and government entities.  Occasionally, a construction manager may be on site as a Crew Leader or Site Supervisor.  They can also answer your questions about safety, building, and Habitat.

Age Policy

  • All construction volunteers must be at least 14 years of age. Please do not bring children younger than 14 to the worksite. Because of our national policy, we would have to ask you to leave if you bring children younger than 14 to the worksite.

  • Fourteen and fifteen year old volunteers must be accompanied by an adult who is at least 21 years of age. Fourteen and fifteen year old volunteers are not allowed to climb ladders, be on roofs, or use power tools on the worksite.

  • Sixteen and seventeen year old volunteers may go up to 6' on a ladder but are not allowed to go on the roof or use power tools. There must be one adult who is at least 21 years of age accompanying every three sixteen and seventeen year old volunteers.

What to Wear

For your safety and comfort, please come prepared to work. Sturdy, closed-toe shoes are required and work boots are recommended. Wear clothes and shoes that you are willing to get dirty and painted. During the summer, wear lightweight natural fabrics and use sun block. Wear multiple layers during the colder months. Please leave all jewelry at home so it does not get damaged or lost.

What to Bring

  • (For volunteers under 18) Pre-completed Liability Waiver Form (PDF) signed by a parent. (print this from the Web site or call 293-9066 a week in advance to receive one by mail)
  • Water bottle - there will be a jug on site to refill your bottle.

Bring the following IF you have them. We will provide what you don't have:

  • Tool belt
  • Safety Gear (Safety glasses, ear plugs, work gloves)
  • Personal hand tools (tape measure, hammer, speed square, utility knife, chalk line, etc.)

Please clearly mark all your personal tools and make sure you leave with what you bring! We cannot be responsible for tools that are left and/or lost.

What NOT to Bring

  • Valuable items
  • Children under 16 (unless a special youth build day is coordinated)
  • Personal power tools (on Saturday)
  • Alcohol or drugs
  • Pets
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