Join Us
Want a true feeling of accomplishment? Help build a home. Join the hundreds of individuals who work with Columbia County Habitat and partner families to build safe, energy efficient homes for working families who need an affordable home. From high school students to retirees, individuals or group volunteers – they all make Columbia County a more open-hearted place to live, and contribute to our mission of community supported construction.
Saturdays are the primary work day for volunteers. Habitat welcomes businesses, congregations, civic organizations and groups of friends and neighbors as well as individuals. Volunteers work alongside the prospective homeowners, performing a range of tasks.
It’s easy to volunteer. Just fill out the Volunteer Information Form below. We will start sending you emails about upcoming volunteer opportunities and contact you regarding a group construction day or another volunteer opportunity.
To apply to become a volunteer, please complete this form, call (518) 828-0892 or email [email protected]
No previous experience or special skills are required. Habitat’s volunteer Site Supervisor and crew leaders will teach you everything you need to know on site.
Saturdays are the primary work day for volunteers. Habitat welcomes businesses, congregations, civic organizations and groups of friends and neighbors as well as individuals. Volunteers work alongside the prospective homeowners, performing a range of tasks.
It’s easy to volunteer. Just fill out the Volunteer Information Form below. We will start sending you emails about upcoming volunteer opportunities and contact you regarding a group construction day or another volunteer opportunity.
To apply to become a volunteer, please complete this form, call (518) 828-0892 or email [email protected]
No previous experience or special skills are required. Habitat’s volunteer Site Supervisor and crew leaders will teach you everything you need to know on site.
FAQs
Can I just show up?
No. All volunteers need to register first. Please register HERE.
When should I arrive and when may I leave?
The volunteer coordinator or project supervisor will tell you when to arrive and what the day’s schedule will be. We expect all volunteers to honor their full commitment, whether it be for a full day or a few hours.
What should I do when I arrive?
Look for the Habitat project supervisor on duty and sign in. If you haven’t completed a liability waiver for the current build season, you’ll be asked to do so. Habitat staff will be wearing name badges to identify themselves.
Do I have to sign a liability waiver?
Yes. Habitat for Humanity requires that every volunteer, without exception, must sign a liability waiver agreeing to take personal responsibility for accidents or injuries on the work site. The form covers the entire build season so that you need to sign only one waiver even if you volunteer on multiple days.
Who’s in charge?
Typically, each project has a different supervisor. You will be given your supervisor’s name prior to your arrival.
What should I wear?
Please check with the Volunteer Coordinator or Project Manager about appropriate work attire.
What work will I be doing?
You will be given specific information prior to your start date.
How hard will the work be?
We will never ask you to perform a task that makes you uncomfortable. Please speak with the volunteer coordinator or project manager about any concerns or limitation you may have while volunteering.
Do I need to bring my own tools?
If you are working on a building or repair project, all tools and safety equipment (goggles, hard hats, etc.) will be provided. If you prefer your own tools, you may bring them. To avoid confusion, label them with your name.
What about lunch?
Please bring a bag lunch if you are working a full-day shift. Water is provided throughout the day.
Do we work rain or shine?
If we are working outdoors, weather conditions may necessitate a cancellation. We’ll advise you in advance by email or telephone when weather or other reasons might affect your build day. You’ll be contacted only in the event of a cancellation; otherwise assume the work continues.
What should I do if an emergency prevents me from working?
Please let us know as soon as you can. We schedule volunteers to keep the work flowing. If you fail to come, it has implications for the entire build schedule. So please do your best to be there.
Can teens volunteer?
Teens may volunteer at the ReStore or administration office. Because of insurance requirements for a safe work environment, construction volunteers must be at least 16 years old. Teens (16–17) may volunteer if they obtain a printed waiver consented to and signed by a parent or guardian.
Can I volunteer with my friends?
We encourage people to volunteer in groups because of the camaraderie they bring to the work site. You can be a part of as many groups as you like. For example, you can volunteer with coworkers, as part of a church group, and with your bowling league. Just contact our Volunteer Coordinator (see contact information below) to make the arrangements.
Who should I call if I have a question?
You can contact our Volunteer Coordinator by emailing us via our Contact Page
If your question doesn’t concern volunteering, you can call the Habitat office at 518.828.0892.
Thank you for volunteering...and supporting community supported construction in Columbia County!
Working alongside our partner families, we’ll help them build strong, safe, independent lives through Habitat home ownership.
No. All volunteers need to register first. Please register HERE.
When should I arrive and when may I leave?
The volunteer coordinator or project supervisor will tell you when to arrive and what the day’s schedule will be. We expect all volunteers to honor their full commitment, whether it be for a full day or a few hours.
What should I do when I arrive?
Look for the Habitat project supervisor on duty and sign in. If you haven’t completed a liability waiver for the current build season, you’ll be asked to do so. Habitat staff will be wearing name badges to identify themselves.
Do I have to sign a liability waiver?
Yes. Habitat for Humanity requires that every volunteer, without exception, must sign a liability waiver agreeing to take personal responsibility for accidents or injuries on the work site. The form covers the entire build season so that you need to sign only one waiver even if you volunteer on multiple days.
Who’s in charge?
Typically, each project has a different supervisor. You will be given your supervisor’s name prior to your arrival.
What should I wear?
Please check with the Volunteer Coordinator or Project Manager about appropriate work attire.
What work will I be doing?
You will be given specific information prior to your start date.
How hard will the work be?
We will never ask you to perform a task that makes you uncomfortable. Please speak with the volunteer coordinator or project manager about any concerns or limitation you may have while volunteering.
Do I need to bring my own tools?
If you are working on a building or repair project, all tools and safety equipment (goggles, hard hats, etc.) will be provided. If you prefer your own tools, you may bring them. To avoid confusion, label them with your name.
What about lunch?
Please bring a bag lunch if you are working a full-day shift. Water is provided throughout the day.
Do we work rain or shine?
If we are working outdoors, weather conditions may necessitate a cancellation. We’ll advise you in advance by email or telephone when weather or other reasons might affect your build day. You’ll be contacted only in the event of a cancellation; otherwise assume the work continues.
What should I do if an emergency prevents me from working?
Please let us know as soon as you can. We schedule volunteers to keep the work flowing. If you fail to come, it has implications for the entire build schedule. So please do your best to be there.
Can teens volunteer?
Teens may volunteer at the ReStore or administration office. Because of insurance requirements for a safe work environment, construction volunteers must be at least 16 years old. Teens (16–17) may volunteer if they obtain a printed waiver consented to and signed by a parent or guardian.
Can I volunteer with my friends?
We encourage people to volunteer in groups because of the camaraderie they bring to the work site. You can be a part of as many groups as you like. For example, you can volunteer with coworkers, as part of a church group, and with your bowling league. Just contact our Volunteer Coordinator (see contact information below) to make the arrangements.
Who should I call if I have a question?
You can contact our Volunteer Coordinator by emailing us via our Contact Page
If your question doesn’t concern volunteering, you can call the Habitat office at 518.828.0892.
Thank you for volunteering...and supporting community supported construction in Columbia County!
Working alongside our partner families, we’ll help them build strong, safe, independent lives through Habitat home ownership.
