Construction Group
What is a Habitat Construction Group?
A Habitat Construction Group usually consists of 5-15 individuals from the same church, civic group or business organization who agree to volunteer for Habitat. Groups usually concentrate on a few areas such as a framing, vinyl siding, trim carpentry, vinyl tile installation, or painting. The minimum age for members of Habitat Construction Groups is 16.
What skills does a Habitat group need?
Our goal is to have each group led by a group leader who is skilled or semi-skilled in the type of work that the group will be doing. This person should also be an effective leader and be willing to teach and guide others. If no one with sufficient experience is available within your organization, Habitat will help train a member of your group as the group leader. Other members may be skilled builders or complete novices, so long as they are willing to receive instructions and follow the directions of the leader.
What if our group only wants to come out once?
If your group is looking for a one-time volunteer day and has little construction experience, we will assign your group to a task that requires less training. Examples may include painting, building components and landscaping.
What tools will each group and each individual member need?
Habitat will furnish each type of group with the basic tools needed to perform their assigned tasks. For example, a Framing Group needs a circular saw, a 4' level, framing square, etc. A Siding Group needs siding snips, hole punchers, crimpers, etc. If your group members already have any of the specialized tools used for your particular task, we encourage you to bring them.
Individuals may find it useful to bring their own personal tools such as a hammer, measuring tape, square, pencil and utility knife. Always mark your personal tools with your name.
What is a day like on the site?
At the beginning of the workday, the House Leader gathers everyone for introductions and safety instructions, then outlines the work to be done that day. Your group may then be divided up to work on separate tasks. The group leader works to train individuals, ensure the quality of workmanship, and plan ahead for the next task. Of course, it may take you and your group a while to gain this level of experience.
What about working with the Homeowner?
The relationship between volunteers, Habitat workers and the partner family is just as important as the house they are building together. To make sure that the homeowner is an integral part of the building process, a specific group member will usually work beside the homeowner each day. Normally, he or she is a member of the group sponsoring the home being built.
What about general guidelines for Habitat volunteers?
See our Volunteer FAQ for general rules:
- Are there age limitations?
- Who is responsible if injuries or accidents occur while volunteering?
- What about other problems or issues that may crop up?
- What other things can a volunteer group (or individual) do besides construction?
How does our group get started?
- Fill out a Group Volunteer Application Form. There is a printable version to mail in and also an online version.
- Habitat's construction schedule varies for each house. Check our Construction page for locations of houses planned or under construction. The number of groups that can be used at any particular time depends on the season, the weather and the number of houses we are building. So we ask your patience and cooperation as we find a place in the schedule for your group.
- After your workday is set, a confirmation letter and directions will be mailed to you. Someone from the Habitat staff will be glad to meet with your group to provide more information about Habitat.
- For most construction tasks, your group will be paired with an existing Habitat group. Most training is provided on the job. Training in particular tasks is held periodically.