© 2008 Tacoma/Pierce County Habitat for Humanity • P.O. Box 7124 • Tacoma, Washington 98417 • (253) 627-5626
Email Us Quarterly Newsletter Webmaster

Frequently Asked Questions

 

1. Should I call to sign up to volunteer on the weekday?

Although it is not required, we do appreciate a call. This helps our construction managers know how many volunteers to expect.

2. How far in advance should I try to schedule a group? How many people can I bring in a group? Is there a cost to organize a group?

We encourage groups to try to sign up at least two months in advance. There are times this may not be possible to do based on our construction schedule. We can typically take 20 people per group, but this also depends on the scheduled tasks. There is no cost for a group to volunteer with Habitat for Humanity. We welcome all groups to volunteer with Tacoma/Pierce County Habitat for Humanity. We do have a special program, Team Habitat, that involves a cost per individual participant. Please visit the Team Habitat page for more information.

3. What tools do I need to bring to the worksite?

We suggest volunteers bring a tool belt, gloves, hammer, measuring tape, and a pencil if you already have them. If you do not have any equipment, do not worry.

4. How old do I need to be to work on the Habitat site?

You must be 16 or older to work on a Habitat construction site and at our ReStore. If you are under the age of 16, you must have a waiver signed by a parent or legal guardian.

5. Do I need to bring a lunch to the worksite or ReStore?

At this point, volunteers need to bring their own lunch and water.  We will notify the volunteers if this changes.

6. What do I wear to the worksite or ReStore?

Volunteers need to wear long pants and closed-toed shoes (preferrably boots). Please wear clothes you do not mind getting dirty.  We work in rain or sun, so please bring a rain coat and wear layers. We encourage long hair to be pulled back and no jewelry.

7. How long is a workday?

Daylight Savings Hours:

7:45 AM: Arrive at worksite.
7:45 - 8:00 AM: Sign in, Safety Orientation, and Briefing of Daily Tasks with Site Manager.
8:00 - 10:30 AM: Work on site with Site Manager & Crew Chiefs.
10:30 - 10:45 AM: Break!  Light Snacks & Refreshments.
10:45 - 12:30 PM: Work on site with Site Manager & Crew Chiefs.
12:30 - 1:00 PM: Lunch! Please Bring Your Lunch & Water.
1:00 - 3:00 PM: Work on site with Site Manager & Crew Chiefs, Clean-up

Non-Daylight Savings Hours:

8:45 AM: Arrive at worksite.
8:45 - 9:00 AM: Sign in, Safety Orientation, and Briefing of Daily Tasks with Site Manager.
9:00 - 10:30 AM: Work on site with Site Manager & Crew Chiefs.
10:30 - 10:45 AM: Break!  Light Snacks & Refreshments.
10:45 - 12:30 PM: Work on site with Site Manager & Crew Chiefs.
12:30 - 1:00 PM: Lunch! Please Bring Your Lunch & Water.
1:00 - 3:00 PM: Work on site with Site Manager & Crew Chiefs, Clean-up

8. What if I do not want to work on a construction site?

Habitat has plenty of opportunities for volunteers to get involved.  We have our ReStore, which allows volunteers to be inside and work retail.  There are opportunities to work in our office or be a Habitat representative at fairs.  Call our office at 253-627-5626 and we can find a place for you.