Volunteer FAQs
Volunteers are the lifeblood of Habitat for Humanity. Whether you are a builder or have never used a hammer, YOU can make a difference in your community.
When and where do you offer volunteer opportunities?
- Construction build site opportunities are offered Tuesday through Saturday from 8:30AM – 2:30PM. Build sites occur across Pinellas and West Pasco Counties from South St. Petersburg to New Port Richey.
- Special Event & Administrative opportunities are offered throughout the year. Dates, times, and locations vary by event and project.
Can I volunteer with family, friends, and co-workers?
Yes! Check out our Group Volunteer Page for more information.
I need to complete Community Service Volunteer Hours through a court-ordered program or Bright Futures. Can I complete them with Habitat?
Yes! Visit our Court-Ordered and Educational Program Page to get started.
Are there any age restrictions?
Yes, here are our age guidelines:
- 14-15 – May help on sites during Priming, Painting, and Landscaping days only. Per child labor laws, children under 16 may not be on a construction site where power tools or heavy equipment are being used or in an environment containing a forklift or pallet jack.
- 16-17 – May help on any construction site. They may not use power tools or climb ladders over knee height.
- 18 and above – Fair game! All tasks and sites are open for volunteering.
All volunteers under the age of 18 must have a Volunteer Waiver.
How often are the volunteer opportunity calendars updated?
- Construction Calendar – updated weekly; check back at the end of each week for the following week
- Special Events Calendar – updated as special events are planned and administrative help is needed
What does a build site day look like?
On your volunteer day, our Site Supervisors will greet you for sign-in several minutes before the scheduled start time for the day. Then, they will provide a brief safety orientation. Please note that safety is very important to us and your presence at the safety orientation is mandatory.
After orientation, Site Supervisors will break the group into smaller teams (if necessary), inform you of your tasks for the day, and begin training. If there is ever anything you are asked to do that you are uncomfortable with, our team will be happy to help you get comfortable with the task or find another task for you.
Water breaks are encouraged often with a formal break occurring between 10-10:30 AM followed by a lunch break around 12 PM.
What do volunteers do on build sites?
Volunteers, with all experience levels, assist our Site Supervisors in the following tasks:
- Framing
- Installing insulation & baffles
- Installing exterior doors and windows
- Installing cabinets, interior doors, and trim
- Exterior priming and painting
- Landscaping
- Punch & finish tasks
What should volunteers wear to a build day? Should volunteers bring anything?
Volunteers are required to wear closed-toed shoes while on site (no Crocs, sandals, flip-flops, etc.). Volunteers should wear clothing that they will not mind getting a little dirty, and possibly sweaty. Try to avoid loose, baggy clothing and any jewelry.
Volunteers should bring their own lunch to the site. Water will be provided, but any other drinks should be brought from home as well. Volunteers should also bring sunscreen and other sun protection gear (hats, sunglasses, etc.). All other items will be provided on site including tools, materials, gloves, masks, safety glasses, hard hats, etc.
I’m ready! How do I sign up?
- Visit habitatpwp.org/volunteer.
- Select individual or group volunteer.
- Fill out the contact info form and review our safety information.
- Head to the calendar to reserve your spot!
Additional questions?
Our monthly Nuts & Bolts Orientation is an informative one-hour session for those interested in learning more about Habitat Pinellas and West Pasco’s volunteer opportunities and homeownership program. They are held from 6 PM – 7 PM every first Thursday of the month. Join us to find out how you can help us make the dream of homeownership a reality for local families and individuals. Click here to register.
Email volunteer@habitatpwp.org to get more information.
