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Volunteer
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Individual Construction Volunteers
We rely on our amazing volunteers for nearly every step of a home’s construction process. Whether you have a lot of building experience or have never swung a hammer, we would love to have you! Our talented Construction team will have you building in no time. Are you volunteering with a Group? Please make sure you use the designated registration link from your group organizer. You will not be able to access your shift without your specific registration link.
Scheduling for individual volunteers is completed online and can be done by following the below steps:
Step 1
When ready to sign-up, please visit our online scheduling portal by clicking here.
Step 2
When your account is created, you can now sign-up for a volunteer shift! To register for a shift, simply click on the calendar day of your choice. As an example, shifts will be listed with names like, “Build at Weavers Grove (Chapel Hill, NC).”
Step 3
Once you arrive to our scheduling portal, click “Create Account” to build your volunteer profile. If you already have an account with us, just click “Sign-In” to log-in.
Step 4
After clicking on your desired day, you will simply select your preferred shift time (morning or afternoon). If you have any issues signing-up, please contact volunteer@orangehabitat.org, and we will be glad to help you!
What to Expect Onsite
Frequently Asked Questions
• The morning shift runs from 8:30am-12pm, and the afternoon shift from 1:00pm-4:00pm.
• Volunteers must register online at www.orangehabitat.volunteerhub.com.
• Please arrive five to ten minutes early for your shift and stay for the entire time.
• When you arrive, please make a nametag and check in with Habitat staff
• Before beginning work, Habitat staff members will lead an orientation to review important information about safety and construction tasks for the day.
• Habitat provides all tools and equipment. If you prefer to bring your own tools, please label them with your name.
• You may want to bring a water bottle and a snack. Habitat will provide a water cooler and cups.
• Please leave all valuables at home.
• Comfortable clothes that you do not mind getting dirty or covered in paint.
• Closed-toed athletic shoes or work boots are required—no sandals or Crocs.
• You may wish to wear sunglasses, a hat, and sunscreen.
• OSHA restrictions do not allow anyone to wear hats underneath their hard hats. This includes baseball caps and beanies.
Depending on the stage of construction, we may or may not be able to work. Habitat will update the weather hotline at (919) 932-7077 option 1 by 7:15am in case of weather-related cancellation.
No! Our volunteers range from those who have never swung a hammer to professional carpenters. All builds are led by experienced construction staff who will teach you everything you need to know.
Yes, we will verify volunteer hours for these purposes.
Volunteers must be at least 16 years old to work on new home construction. All minor volunteers must have a waiver signed by a parent or guardian on file prior to volunteering.
Habitat relies on volunteers like you to help keep our building costs low. Thank you for being ready to work hard, try something new, and pitch in wherever needed as the shift unfolds. Most importantly, have fun – and know that your efforts directly impact the lives of hardworking families here in Orange County.
Group Opportunities
Orange Habitat welcomes groups to come out for a build day. Past builds have included groups of employees, students, or faith partners. If you would like to bring your group to build with Habitat, please fill out this interest form.
Regular Crew
Our Regular Crew is a dedicated group of 50+ individuals who volunteer on our construction sites consistently on Wednesdays, Fridays, or Saturdays. Email Julia at jhenn@orangehabitat.org for more information.
Youth and Collegiate
Even though volunteers must be 16 or older to work on our construction site, there are plenty of opportunities for youth and college aged students to be involved!
Youth United
Our Youth United program brings together high school students from across Orange County. Youth United volunteers work together on site and in the community to build houses and raise funds to support our mission. There are currently Youth United Clubs at Carrboro, Cedar Ridge, East Chapel Hill, and NCSSM high schools. Feel free to join a club near you, or contact us to start your own!
UNC Habitat Club
The Habitat Club at UNC Chapel Hill is a thriving group of 500+ students dedicated to supporting our cause. If you are a UNC student and looking to get involved with our work, the UNC Habitat Club is a great way to get access to shifts and make connections! To learn more, check out their website here.
AmeriCorps
AmeriCorps is the federal agency connecting individuals and organizations to tackle the nation’s most pressing challenges. Most AmeriCorps positions serve 10.5 months with hands on work on our new home construction, home repair, or volunteer management teams.
Young Professionals
The Triangle Habitat Young Professionals (THYP) is a lively group of young professionals passionate about making a difference in the Orange, Durham, and Wake County communities. Through opportunities within our community and our affiliate partners, our goal is to push affordable housing solutions forward while also catering to your professional growth.
If you’re interested in joining the Board or want to get involved, follow us on Instagram or join our LinkedIn group for more information and updates or visit the website below.
ReStore
We could not keep our ReStores open without volunteers. Volunteers work side-by-side with staff with responsibilities including helping customers find what they need, taking donations and thanking donors, making sure the lights and houseware departments are organized, and many more. We look forward to you joining us as we help Habitat without swinging a hammer.
Special Programs
Volunteer Spotlight
Contact Us!
For more information on how to get involved, contact Julia Henn, Volunteer Engagement Coordinator.
