Volunteer FAQs

No, we do not require previous construction experience—just a willingness to work hard, learn, and be flexible. But if you do have construction experience (like carpentry, electrical, dry-walling, etc), we encourage you to tell our staff and utilize it on site with us!

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 Parental Consent PDF Form needed for volunteers under age 18.

Numerous volunteers contribute their time to Habitat of Greater Newark, and based on our current needs you may not see any availability on the days you’d like to work with us. Keep checking the schedule! We open build days on a rolling basis, so staying updated will give you a better chance of signing up for days you prefer.

Please preview our safety video to prepare for your build day. When you arrive on site, our staff will review our safety requirements with you before starting the day’s work.

You can view the video here.

You will be assisting Habitat of Greater Newark in the building of homes for our low- and moderate-income partner families. You will be working under the guidance of our professional construction staff and/or trained professional volunteers.

• Work on any given day depends solely on what the project calls for on that day and can vary, including: framing, insulation, sheet rocking, siding, painting, installation of flooring, landscaping, and more.
• You will be shown the proper way to do the job and the correct handling of the equipment. You will never be made to do something that makes you uncomfortable.
• For your safety and the safety of your fellow volunteers, it is mandatory that you follow all instructions and wear all protective gear given by our site supervisor on the job site. Please ask questions if you do not fully understand your instructions, your task, or your protective gear.

• 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 shirt if you will be doing insulation.
• Heavy-soled work boots.
• Personal protective gear (hard hats, goggles, etc.) is available at the work site.

• Lunch and a beverage. Sandwiches, barbeque, pizza, drinks, etc. can be purchased locally if you desire.
• A pencil or two (there never seem to be enough around).
• 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.

• By 9:30 a.m. (note that start times vary by location): Arrive, sign in, on-site orientation, safety briefing, and begin your workday.
• 12:00 Noon: Lunch.
• 3:00 – 3:30 p.m.: Cleanup work site and storage of tools.
• 3:30 p.m.: Head for home.

At most of the work sites, a portable toilet is available for your use.

While we fully expect that you will have a safe and productive experience, there are a number of things you can do to ensure that this is the case.

• Bring as few cars as possible by car-pooling. Don’t leave any removable items visible in your car.
• It is best to bring with you only what you can keep in your pockets. Consider carrying only a small pocket wallet containing your driver’s license and a few dollars for any purchases you might want to make.
• Our Construction Manager and ​Site Supervisor will be available on-site on your build day for any construction-related questions.

Habitat of Greater Newark has the mission of decent, affordable housing for all. Through shelter, we empower. Our sincere thanks to you for your contribution to this effort!