Worksite Info

Thank you for your interest in volunteering with Habitat for Humanity of Monroe County. We hope that you find this to be a rewarding, team-building experience and receive a feeling of accomplishment from seeing the results of your work. You will work alongside our homeowners as they strive to make changes in their own lives, as well as helping to change the lives of others from all walks of life.

The detailed worksite info (PDF: 157K) described below is also available for download.

How many people can I bring to the site?

We need to know in advance how big of a group you would like to bring so we can schedule accordingly. Too few people results in an unfinished project. Too many people means volunteers end up standing around. Email or call 734-243-2048 to schedule your size group for the most appropriate days and jobs.

What do I need to bring?

Bring tools you are comfortable carrying with you, such as:

• hammer
• tape measure
• utility knife
• cat's paw
• speed square
• gloves
• goggles (if you would like them)

Depending on the day's work:

• paint brushes
• roller frame and covers
• rakes
• shovels, etc.

Work Clothes, Power Tools, and Work Environment

• We encourage everyone to wear work attire appropriate for the scheduled activity.
• Volunteers are not permitted to use nail guns, circular saws, or other power tools unless approved by House Leaders.
• If you are uncomfortable working from heights, alert your House Leader so he or she can reassign you another task.

What should I expect when I get there?

• Plan on arriving by 7AM at our Command Center (CC)
• Report to the Registration Area each day to complete the Waiver
• You will receive the day's instructions and house assignments.
• Breakfast and lunch are served at the CC, however we cannot meet individual needs if you have a special diet. Please plan accordingly.

When you arrive at the job site, please introduce yourself! Volunteers are the backbone of Habitat for Humanity of Monroe County. You, as the volunteer, help Habitat for Humanity fulfill its goals and mission of eliminating substandard housing one family at a time. This is also a good time to get to know the other volunteers and the homeowners that will be working with you.

Who is responsible if someone gets hurt on the worksite?

• Each volunteer signs a Waiver every morning they work agreeing to take personal responsibility for any accidents or injuries while on the job.
• Each individual's insurance plan should cover the individual while engaged in volunteer work; however, this should be verified ahead of time before signing the Waiver.

Health and Personal Safety

• Please work safely at all times! Keep the worksite clean and being aware of those around you.
• First aid supplies will be available onsite, EMS will be called for any serious injuries.
• Don't forget your safety glasses and hard hats, especially when someone is working above your head!
• Please leave valuables at home as there will be no place to secure wallets, purses, etc.

Take Care of Yourself During Construction

• On hot days, move slowly and remember to take occasional breaks
• Drink lots of fluids, water will be provided on site for you
• Wear adequate SPF sunscreen and remember to reapply as required
• If you feel dizzy, get a headache, or stop perspiring, stop work at once! Inform the house leader, get into the shade, and slowly drink water
• Remember your prescription medicine

Is there an age limitation?

• Youth under age 16 are not allowed to be on a work site while there is any type of construction in progress.
• Individuals younger than 18 are not permitted to use power tools, work at heights above 6 feet or participate in demolition/excavation work.

If you are unable to keep your commitment to participate, please call the office at 734-243-2048 or fax 734-240-5770 as soon as possible, to make alternate arrangements to work schedules. We are expecting and counting on you being there.