Frequently Asked Volunteer Questions
This section is designed to help give you a better sense of what it’s like to volunteer with Habitat of Franklin County. Don’t hesitate to contact our team at 717-267-1899 or (info@habitatfranklinpa.org) if you’d like more information about anything you see (or don’t see) here.
Before You Get Started…
Do I need to have construction skills?
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 utilize it on site with us!
We also are always in need of volunteers at our ReStore, and in our various committees. You have a skill we need, please share it with us and your community.
Is there a minimum age for volunteering?
All volunteers must be at least 16 years of age. Youth ages 16 and 17 are not permitted to use power tools or work more than 10 feet off the ground.
How do I sign up to volunteer?
You can begin the volunteer registration process here. If you've volunteered with us before, click "returning volunteer" and you can access your account info to reach the volunteer portal.
What if I don’t see openings on the schedule?
Hundreds of volunteers contribute their time to Habitat of Franklin County, 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.
What to Expect, and How to Prepare
What will I be doing?
It all depends! We appreciate your flexibility and openness to all aspects of building; you’ll find out about the day’s projects once you arrive at site. What we’re working on depends on the current phase of house construction, so you could be doing anything from demolition to drywall hanging to landscaping. Your flexibility is the most important thing to bring with you to the work site…remember that all jobs, no matter how “glamorous,” are equally crucial to a well-built Habitat house!
What is the time commitment asked of volunteers?
We work from 8:30 am to 3:30 pm. We ask that volunteers arrive on-site promptly at 8:15 am for our safety orientation. In order for our projects to be successful, we need volunteers to commit to the entire day.
Can I come late or leave early?
We ask for a full day’s commitment from volunteers so that we can keep up with our construction schedules and meet project deadlines. Arriving on site by 8:15 am will ensure that you are included in the day’s plans and receive all the training you need. Late arrivals and early departure make it hard for us to successfully finish the day’s agenda.
What do I need to bring to the construction site?
We ask that you bring your own water and lunch. You should wear sturdy, closed toe shoes and clothes that you don’t mind getting dirty. We provide all tools and safety equipment (hardhats, safety glasses, earplugs and dust-masks).
What do I bring for lunch?
We encourage volunteers to bring their own lunch or money to buy something at a nearby store or restaurant. We take an hour-long lunch break and, if volunteers have left for lunch, we ask that they return on time to begin the afternoon’s project.
Where are the construction sites?
We build throughout Franklin County. You will choose a site convenient to you when you sign up for a shift.
What about cancellations for inclement weather?
We don’t often cancel build days because we can usually work on indoors projects when we need to. However, if extreme weather is forecast or is already here, we may decide to cancel the work day. In the winter, we base our decision on the Chambersburg Area School District’s operating schedule. If schools close or delay, we do the same. In the summer and on Saturdays, Habitat will make a decision as soon as possible on the day before and update all volunteers via email and phone. Regardless of the status of a build day, if you don’t feel comfortable travelling to site, that’s perfectly fine — just let us know!
Are the construction sites safe?
We provide an in-depth safety talk at the beginning of your volunteer day. We make sure you have all the training and supervision you need to complete the day’s project safely. All safety gear is provided on site, and each of our staff members is certified in First Aid and CPR. We want you to be comfortable with the project you’re assigned to; if you’re ever uncomfortable with a task we’ll find something else for you to work on.
Volunteer Groups and Community Service
How do I get my company or organization involved?
We’d love to have your group build with us! Please read more about supporting Habitat Franklin County through our Team Build Program. If you’re interested, please contact us at info@habitatfranklinpa.org or call (717) 267-1899.
Why do you ask for a $1,000 donation for Team Build Days on Homebuilding Sites?
By sponsoring your Team Build Day, your company or organization helps Habitat Franklin County to provide the materials, training and supervision that will give you a rewarding experience on site. Habitat also uses your contribution to continue funding our program and advancing our mission.
Is there a different requested donation amount for schools, faith-based groups and non-profits? Yes. If your group is from a non-profit organization or is an education or faith-based group, we ask for a $500 donation.
As a non-profit organization ourselves, we know that fundraising can be challenging. We’d be happy to share some of the ways our groups have successfully raised funds for their build days in the past. We see your group’s effort as a testament to the ideal we share with our sponsors—the desire to eliminate poverty housing in Franklin County, PA.
Court Ordered Community Service
May I do my court ordered Community Service through Habitat Franklin County? Yes! Court ordered Community Service may be performed at our ReStore. Please note the following requirements:
It must be for a minimum of 40 hours of service
We do not accept any volunteers who are on the sex offender registry