Volunteer
Whatever your interests & skills, you can get involved!
Volunteers are an essential piece of the Habitat mission, and it is only with the support of our many volunteers and sponsors that we are able to build communities across Newark and Essex, Hudson and Union Counties.
Habitat of Greater Newark is proud to partner with:
- Individuals
- Families
- High School and University student groups (see the School & Campus Chapters page on this website for more information about volunteers under age 18)
- Nonprofit organizations
Faith-based and civic groups - Businesses and corporations of all sizes. Learn more about our Corporate Challenge.
Habitat for Humanity of Greater Newark works with approximately 1,500 volunteers annually.
Most of our volunteers spend time on-site with us for a day at a time. Although there is no commitment to work for longer than a day, we love having return volunteers on-site. When volunteers return to work with us, we can teach them new skills, expand on old ones, and begin to give them more responsibility.
All volunteers must be at least 14 years of age. Youth ages 14 – 17 are not permitted to use power tools, and must be accompanied by an adult. See the School & Campus Chapters page on this website for further guidelines for volunteers under age 18. Download the PDF Parent Consent Form needed for volunteers under age 18.
This great video from the Austin, TX Habitat for Humanity affiliate explains the basics of volunteering.
What You'll Be Doing
Habitat of Greater Newark’s professional staff will teach you the skills needed for the work you will be doing and with the tools you will be handling.
The work on any given day depends solely on what the project calls for on that day and can vary: framing, insulation, sheet rocking, siding, painting, installation of flooring, landscaping, and more.
All tools and materials will be supplied by Habitat of Greater Newark. However, you may bring personal tools if you wish. If you choose to do so, please make sure they are well marked.
You will be shown the proper way to do the job and the correct handling of the required tools for the job. You will never be made to do something that makes you uncomfortable.
What To Wear
Habitat of Greater Newark will provide the necessary safety equipment for you, but you must dress properly in order to work on an active construction site.
- Heavy soled work boots (No sneakers or athletic shoes; you will not be allowed on the work site without proper footwear).
- Work clothing appropriate for the time of year (houses under construction are usually not heated). As a safety precaution, always wear long pants (no shorts). Bring a long sleeved, collared shirt if you will be doing insulation. (You will be given advance notice if this is necessary.)
COVID-19 WORKSITE SAFETY
- Temperature checks at the start of work days.
- Mandatory face masks.
- Shortened work day from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- Hand washing and hand sanitizer stations.
- Maximum of ten volunteers per work day.
- Social distancing—volunteers are assigned to work in different areas of the build.
- Assigned tools at the start of work days.
- No food will be allowed on work sites.
Ready To Sign Up?
To schedule a volunteer work day for yourself, go to our volunteering calendar and click on the day you wish to volunteer. To schedule a group volunteer day, please contact Vanessa, our Deputy Director of Fund Development & Corporate Engagement at vbazydlo@habitatnewark.org or call 973-624-3330 ext. 100.
We look forward to working with you.
