volunteering at Habitat
Welcome!
To all first-time volunteers, we're glad you're here. On this page, you'll find all you need to know about volunteering at Habitat for Humanity of Greater Cincinnati for the first time.
Step 2: Select an Available Opportunity
After you create an account, select "opportunities" on the left side of the page. Use the sort and filter options to help find opportunities that interest you.
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Are you volunteering as part of a group? Please fill out the group interest form so we can create a volunteer opportunity tailored to your group. This ensures your group can stay together and that you will have the best group volunteer experience possible.
Step 3: Check your Email
Once you sign up for a volunteer opportunity, you will receive confirmation via email (sender: no-reply@habitatcincinnati.org). Look for emails leading up to the volunteer opportunity for specific information relating to your volunteer opportunity.
Step 4: Volunteer!
Please arrive for your volunteer opportunity at the stated location and time. Follow the signs to volunteer check-in. If you are unsure where to go, ask a staff member wearing a Habitat Greater Cincinnati shirt.
volunteering at Habitat
what to expect
Your volunteer experience will look different depending on the program selected. Check out the FAQs to get a better idea of what to expect.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if there is inclement weather?
Should we see inclement weather on the day of the build, please check your email for cancellation notices. You will be notified 2 hours prior to the start time.
Why can't I just show up?
In order to help us create a safe and enjoyable volunteer experience, every volunteer must register online in advance. This will help our site leaders to be better prepared with tools, materials, and projects for everyone. Online registration is required and closes 2 days prior to the event to enable us to prepare for the event.
How old do I have to be to volunteer?
Ages 18+: May volunteer independently.
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Ages 16 & 17: May volunteer independently at ReStore. May volunteer along with a parent/guardian/adult (over age 21), in a limited capacity, at a construction site. Volunteers ages 16 & 17 are not permitted to participate in roofing, demolition, the use of power tools, or use ladders over 6 ft.
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Ages 14 & 15: May volunteer at ReStore along with a parent/guardian/adult (over age 21).
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13 & under: While unable to volunteer at ReStore or on a construction site for safety reasons, there are projects they may volunteer on from home to help promote awareness, raise money, and support our Habitat homebuyers and volunteers.
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Contact our Volunteer Coordinator for details at volunteer@habitatcincinnati.org or 513-482-5614.
**For groups with minors (ages 14-17): At least 1 adult (over age 21) is required to accompany every 5 minors.**
What is my commitment?
The commitment is up to you! You may volunteer one time or as often as you wish. You may come as a part of a group, and then decide that you would like to continue volunteering as an individual. We are delighted to work with you to fit your needs and schedule.
What skills are required?
No specific skills are needed, just a willingness to learn and a positive attitude. Habitat provides an experienced site leader on each work site who will provide on-the-job training. Safety is important to us and, therefore, we provide free on-line safety training courses when you register on Community Connect.
What do I bring?
Closed toe shoes are required. No tools are necessary, but if you have them you are encouraged to bring basics, such as a hammer, nail apron, tape measure, utility knife, and a pencil. Please clearly label all of your tools with your name or initials. Hard hats and safety goggles will be provided. Water will be available, but you may wish to bring your own supply. It’s always a good idea to wear a hat and sunscreen when working outdoors.
Where do I sign the liability waiver?
You will be able to sign your liability waiver quickly and conveniently on Community Connect as you set up your account. If you have any questions about our system, please contact our Volunteer Coordinator for details at volunteer@habitatcincinnati.org or 513-482-5614.
What do I wear?
Footwear needs to be sturdy and closed-toe and closed-heel. Boots or sneakers are both considered appropriate footwear. Wear clothes and shoes that you don’t mind getting dirty. Please prepare for the weather by checking the forecast before you arrive at the work site. If it is sunny, please bring a hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses. If it is raining, please bring a jacket, raincoat, and/or rain boots. If it is cold, please dress in layers along with a hat, gloves and warm socks.
What will happen when I arrive at the site?
At the beginning of each workday, a Habitat site supervisor will begin the morning with a prayer, introductions, a safety talk and instructions. The group will then break into crews to work on the various building tasks.
How do I cancel my volunteer date?
You can cancel your volunteer shift by logging into Community Connect. You can also use the link provided in your confirmation email.
Do you provide lunch/snacks?
Unless you are working with a group that informed you they will provide lunch, please bring your own packed lunch/snacks. Water is available on the site. You are encouraged to bring your own refillable water bottle, labelled with your name on it.
What type of bathroom facilities are on site?
We have portable toilets on each build site.
What if someone is not comfortable building?
We are happy to have you in one of our ReStores! If you are scheduled with a group on our Construction site, there is something for everyone. Please inform your crew leader if you are not comfortable with the task that you have been assigned and we will happily find something that you are comfortable with.
What kind of tasks with volunteers be doing?
Tasks vary depending on whether you are in the ReStore, on a construction site, the different stages of a build, etc. In our ReStores you can expect to be unloading donations, cleaning them, placing them in the store, and helping customers. For a Build Day, you can contact the Volunteer Coordinator a week in advance to get a better idea of what to expect, as building schedules can change a lot from day to day.
Do you accept Court-Ordered Community Service Workers?
Yes! However, we are unable to accept Court-Ordered Community Service volunteers with violent, sexual, or theft charges. Other Court-Ordered Community Service volunteers may register for shifts in advance through Community Connect and should bring their court paperwork and a picture ID to their first shift.
How can I contact you for more information?
For more information, please contact our Volunteer Coordinator at Volunteer@HabitatCincinnati.org
or 513-482-5614. To sign your group up, please fill out the Group Interest Form. Thank you for your interest in volunteering at Habitat!
volunteering at Habitat
Creating a Volunteer Account
New volunteers – setting up a new account:
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Go to https://habitatcincinnati.galaxydigital.com/ to create your account on Community Connect, Habitat’s volunteer registration page.
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Complete your information and click the “Create your Account” button.
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Fill in the information, watch the safety video, and be sure to select the dropdown indicator confirming that you’ve watched the video.
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If you are under the age of 18, there will be additional steps for a legal guardian to sign the waiver.
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This site will also walk you through screens asking about your skills, causes, etc. Your response to these is optional.
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Click opportunities on the left-hand side of the page to see open volunteer opportunities.