Volunteer

The construction team gathers at an active job site on  Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.

What to expect

• If you have never volunteered at Warren County Habitat for Humanity, you will be asked to fill out a Volunteer Survey.  The link is at the bottom of this section.

• As per the WCHFH insurance policy, all volunteers must sign an insurance waiver before working on a WCHFH site or event.  Please click the waiver link provided on this page, complete the waiver, and bring the authorized copy on your first day.  The authorized copy will be emailed to you.

•  Before each build session, you will receive an email will relevant information such as build site location, build day and time, directions to the site, and necessary contact information. If you’d like to sign up for that particular build session, you can reply to that email or call our Volunteer Service Manager.

• Put your work clothes on and join the team! The site supervisor will direct your efforts. Hard hats, safety glasses, dust masks and ear protection will be distributed on the job site if required. Please wear steel-toed boots and bring work gloves if you have them.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Do I need to have a certain level of skills to work at the build site? A: No, volunteers of all skill levels are welcome to participate.

Q: Do I have to make a commitment to a set number of days or hours? A: No. If your schedule allows you to join us on a particular day, just let our volunteer coordinator know of your intent in an email.

Q: Can I bring my own tools? A: Yes.

Q: Will I be allowed to use power tools? A: Yes, as long as you are at least 18 years old.

Q: I’m not licensed, but I have skills and experience in a specific area (plumbing, electrical, HVAC). Can I apply my skills at the build site? A: The construction supervisor will evaluate the organization's current need for specific skills at the time you choose to volunteer.

Q: Can I bring my son or daughter? A: Yes, all participants above the age of 16 are welcome at the job site.

If you're interested in volunteering at the build site, please complete this volunteer survey.

Build Site Volunteer Survey

On occasion, we at Warren County Habitat for Humanity are asked by businesses large and small, churches, universities and other groups to provide a dedicated build experience for their members.  When our schedule allows, we are happy to invite a small group to experience a Habitat build, and the sense of teamwork and accomplishment that comes with it.

Flexibility and advance planning are keys to a successful group build experience. Certain periods during the build cycle lend themselves to group activities, while other times don’t. Our build team leaders will work with requesting groups to plan a date and set of activities which will provide the desired opportunity, while at the same time preserve the overall construction project plan and schedule. If you are interested in pursuing a group build for your organization, please call our office at (908) 835-1300 to speak with our Volunteer Services Manager, Brittany Powelson.

Group Build Survey

This program is all about performing minor interior and exterior home repairs and yard work all year round.   We are seeking people who have a desire to help those in need.  No experience necessary.

Skills we are seeking:

• Trimming shrubs and making yards beautiful
• Basic carpentry skills or the need to learn how to fix fences, decks, railings.
• Experience in painting both inside and out
• Knowledge of laying composite, wood and tile floors and how to repair them.
• Basic electrical wiring and light/fan installation skills (including changing light bulbs)
• Simple construction skills with hand tools (installing screen doors, windows and door repairs)
• Mechanical skills replacing locks, hinges, repairing drawers, doors and gates.
• Patio block and stonework construction and repair.
• Basic plumbing experience, replacing faucets, etc.

If you don't have any of these skills, but have a desire to learn, we still want you.

TOK Volunteer Survey

 

 

Hope in the Hills of Warren is an annual program where adults and youth partner to perform small home repair and yardwork projects for low-to-moderate income, elderly, and/or disabled homeowners.  Planning for the 2024 campaign is underway. For more information, view the HHW page.

Most of the positions staffed at Habitat are volunteer positions. Additionally, from time to time, a critical need arises requiring a paid position. In all cases, we seek to fill open positions with qualified, appropriately skilled individuals as quickly as possible.

Strategic Marketing Manager  develops communication strategies and marketing programs and delivery of affiliate communications to the community. Skills: experience with marketing and communication plans, excellent written and verbal communication skills, proficiency with Word, Excel, Outlook and social media.

Volunteer Committee Chair is responsible for monitoring the volunteer experience including managing programs related to volunteer recruitment, development, retention and appreciation. Skills: project planning, excellent written and verbal communication skills and attention to detail.

Resource Development Committee Member coordinates resource development strategies and activities including fundraising, grants, major gifts, planned giving, and sponsorships. Develop materials including website content, brochures, campaign materials, videos, etc. Skills: experience managing special events, cultivating donor relationships, strong communication skills.

IT Support is responsible for troubleshooting technical systems (local networks, desktop, telecom, office equipment, web site administration, security systems). Skills: experience level equal to or exceeding Intermediate is required for one or more of these areas.

If you are interested in any of these volunteer positions, please complete the volunteer survey.

  Strategic Position Volunteer Survey

We always have a need for volunteers with administrative skills, such as web development, public speaking, data administration, volunteer recruitment, graphic design, meal coordination and newsletter editing.  If you have an interest or desire to volunteer for one of these positions, please complete the volunteer survey.

Administrative Functions Volunteer Survey

The ReStore and HUT are our retail outlets that fill a critical community need for low-cost clothing, furniture, household and construction items, while also operating as the primary fundraiser for Habitat builds. The ReStore and HUT require a whole spectrum of skills that any retail store needs.

Volunteers require no special skills and may fit their hours to their own schedule. Walk-ins are welcome!

Volunteer Positions

General

• Loading and unloading
• Sorting of items
• Merchandise refurbishment and staging
• Cashier
• Floor rep
• General maintenance/janitorial.

Truck Driver Position

Donations Driver will be responsible for picking up donations in a timely manner, responding to multiple calls per day and creating an efficient route.   Donations may include anything from small household decor to large couches, tables or chairs. A valid driver’s license is required (CDL not required). A "clean" driving record is required for the past three years. The vehicle is an automatic box truck. Driver must be able to lift and load up to 75 lbs. with assistance.

If you have an interest or desire to volunteer for one of these positions, please complete the volunteer survey.

ReStore Volunteer Survey

When people think of Habitat volunteers, the image of a weekend warrior framing a wall at a construction site typically comes to mind.  While that is obviously a core undertaking, the operations performed by our committees are crucial to the success of the organization. New talent, expertise, and passion are essential for the growth of the teams.   Please see our current operational committees below, and please call the office at (908) 835-1300 to be connected with the respective committee chair.

The Resource Development Committee (RDC) oversees the task of raising funds for the affiliate’s build efforts. It ensures that staff, volunteers and board members are committed to the fundraising process. Along with the Executive Director, the committee synchs the program objectives with the teams’ ability to raise funds. Several fundraising events and programs are used. The teams research and apply for government and private grants. Committee members pursue corporate sponsorships for builds and fundraising events. Team members also schedule, publicize and run the annual appeal and special campaigns. And by number, most volunteers in this area work on a variety of fundraising events, the largest of which is our annual auction. All of these RDC teams and sub-committees are energized by new participants. If you are interested in joining any of these efforts, please call the office at (908) 835-1300 and ask for a meeting with the RDC chair.

Public Relations Committee (PR) manages the public view of Habitat. It uses all available media to broaden and sharpen awareness of Habitat’s mission, its goals, its needs, its partnerships, and its successes. It accomplishes this by creating messaging plans for public relations materials and campaigns. Team members provide the content required by the messaging plan and ensure it is distributed as widely as possible. The team considers and explores the use of all available media outlets including print, radio, TV, traditional mail, email, internet, and social media. If you are interested in joining any of these activities, please call the office at (908) 835-1300 and ask for a meeting with the PR chair.

 

Please review the safety policies and/or training applicable to your volunteer site.

• Build Site

Volunteer safety is the number one priority when working on a WCHFH site or event. All volunteers are strongly encouraged to take the Lockton Build Site Safety Course.  The employee access number is W8NAEBTG.  Works best with Chrome browser.  This workshop will take no more than 1/2 hour and will help WCHFH when its insurance coverage is reviewed and premiums set. The Affiliate Number is 3268-5684.  Additionally, please review the Safety Policy document.  Supplemental safety training will be provided on site as needed.

• ReStore

The ReStore Safety First document will be reviewed with you as part of your ReStore volunteer briefing. We strongly recommend you read it before reporting to the ReStore.