FAQ

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, construction, home DIY projects), let us know!  We have experienced volunteer positions available on our construction sites.

Yes. All volunteers must be at least 18 years of age to volunteer on the construction site. 

Although we have daily volunteer opportunities for our Habitat ReStores, we have limited availability for construction as an Individual Volunteer. When an Individual Volunteer opportunity presents itself, Habitat staff sends out an email alerting volunteers. Sign-ups are done on a first-come-first-served basis. If you would like to join our mailing list, please sign up HERE. 

If you are interested in volunteering with a team or you are a skilled construction volunteer, please contact us directly via email Info@HabitatMM.org.

Volunteers should NOT PARTICIPATE while they are experiencing illness symptoms.  Please cancel your shift on our volunteer website, Volunteer Hub, and/or let your team leader know that you will not attend your build day.

You must wear construction appropriate attire: sturdy, closed toed, thick soled shoes and long substantial pants (like jeans) that cover the ankle. No shorts, capris or leggings are allowed for safety reasons. You should wear clothes that you don’t mind getting dirty. Each day’s tasks may require additional dress requirements that will be communicated to you through email once you’ve registered for a build day on Volunteer Hub. Please bring work gloves and enough water for the entire day. We provide all tools and construction PPE (hardhats, eye and ear protection,…), although you are welcome to bring your own, if desired. 

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 home construction, so you could be doing anything from exterior walls, flooring or landscaping. Your flexibility is the most important thing to bring with you to the work site…remember that all jobs are equally crucial to a well-built Habitat home!

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 time will ensure that you are included in the day’s plans and receive the safety and training you need for the day’s work. A volunteer who arrives AFTER the morning safety briefing will not be allowed on site. 

Once you have signed up for a build day, you will receive a confirmation email that will include information about lunches. If Habitat is providing your lunch, meals will be individually wrapped for each volunteer. Everyone is responsible for providing enough water for the entire day and any additional snacks, if desired. A handwashing station and hand sanitizer will be available. Lunches will be conducted outside or in your vehicle during inclement weather. 

We will be building in Prince George’s County and in Montgomery County.  An address will be provided after you have signed up for a construction shift.

We rarely cancel build days, however, if extreme weather is forecasted, we may decide to reschedule the work day. Habitat will make a decision as soon as possible either on the day prior or at least 2hrs prior build day and update all volunteers via email and phone. You can also email our Volunteer Services Supervisor, Sandra Limjuco, for information at sandra.limjuco@habitatmm.org. Regardless of the status of a build day, if you don’t feel comfortable travelling to a site, that’s perfectly fine — just let us know!