When you volunteer with Habitat, you are helping families create a better life through homeownership. Whether you volunteer on a build-site or in one of our stores, you are making our community and the world a better place.
How will you help?
There are a variety of ways to volunteer with Island County Habitat. Give as much or as little time as you wish.
There are opportunities to learn new skills, or use existing ones, working alongside a Habitat Family to build a decent and affordable place for them to call home. Help out in our Habitat Stores, share your office and clerical skills with us, or serve on a committee or our board of directors.
Everyone who volunteers at Habitat for Humanity of Island County must complete, sign, and submit a Volunteer Agreement, Release of Liability and submit to a criminal background check.
Construction
Volunteers are what make it possible to build decent, affordable homes for families of all varieties! In fact, nearly 80% of the home-building is done by volunteers. If you have some skills, great! If you don’t, you will when you’re through! We provide the tools and safety gear. You just need to bring your can-do attitude! So, stop saying, “I’ve always wanted to volunteer on a Habitat Build,” and sign up! You’ll be glad you did.
Volunteer as an individual, with your friends and family, or as part of a group.
Habitat Store
Income from our Habitat Stores is crucial to our mission of ensuring that everyone has a decent, affordable place to call home. Volunteers are vital to our success. When you volunteer at one of our Stores you gain the satisfaction of know that you are making a difference.
Duties may include helping shoppers, cleaning, organizing, and making the store look great. Helping with inventory and deliveries and pick-ups.
We request that volunteers are able to commit to a minimum of one three-four hour shift per week.
Leadership & Planning
Do you have some skills that would make you a great asset to our board of directors? We are actively recruiting applicants with experience in leadership, marketing, human resources, strategic planning, law, and fundraising.
We would also love to meet you if you are an Island County “mover and shaker” with connections to community members that would like to learn more about Habitat for Humanity of Island County.
To learn more about our Board Opportunities, give us a call or send us an email.
Support & Outreach
It takes a community to ensure that everyone has a decent, affordable place to call home. You can become part of that community when you share your time and talent as a member of our Resource Development Committee.
Committee members will be ready to hit the ground running to execute the 2021-2023 Resource Development Plan. You will learn everything you need to know about Habitat for Humanity of Island County so that you can represent us to groups and at community events. You will work with other, like-minded individuals to help generate resources that will further our mission of ensuring that everyone has a decent and affordable home.
Construction
Volunteers are what make it possible to build decent, affordable homes for families of all varieties! In fact, nearly 80% of the home-building is done by volunteers. If you have some skills, great! If you don’t, you will when you’re through! We provide the tools and safety gear. You just need to bring your can-do attitude! Oh, and we also provide lunch. So, stop saying, “I’ve always wanted to volunteer on a Habitat Build,” and sign up! You’ll be glad you did.
Volunteer as an individual, with your friends and family, or as part of a group.
Habitat Store
Income from our Habitat Stores is crucial to our mission of ensuring that everyone has a decent, affordable place to call home. Volunteers are vital to our success. When you volunteer at one of our Stores you gain the satisfaction of know that you are making a difference.
Duties may include helping shoppers, cleaning, organizing, and making the store look great. Helping with inventory and deliveries and pick-ups.
We request that volunteers are able to commit to a minimum of one 2-hour shift per week.
Leadership & Planning
Do you have some skills that would make you a great asset to our board of directors? We are actively recruiting applicants with experience in leadership, marketing, human resources, strategic planning, law, and fundraising.
We would also love to meet you if you are an Island County “mover and shaker” with connections to community members that would like to learn more about Habitat for Humanity of Island County.
To learn more about our Board Opportunities, give us a call or send us an email.
Support & Outreach
It takes a community to ensure that everyone has a decent, affordable place to call home. You can become part of that community when you share your time and talent as a member of our Resource Development Committee.
Committee members will be ready to hit the ground running to execute the 2021-2023 Resource Development Plan. You will learn everything you need to know about Habitat for Humanity of Island County so that you can represent us to groups and at community events. You will work with other, like-minded individuals to help generate resources that will further our mission of ensuring that everyone has a decent and affordable home.
Frequently Asked Questions
I've never held a hammer in my life; can I still volunteer for a build?
Absolutely! We welcome volunteers of all skill levels. You will receive the training you need to have a fun and productive experience.
What does Habitat provide?
When you arrive at the build site, you will be given a hard-hat, safety goggles and any other necessary safety equipment. We provide all the tools as well as instruction on using them safely. Water is available on every build site.
What is the minimum age to volunteer?
Volunteers must be at least 16 years old. Volunteers under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult throughout their volunteer day.
How do I sign up to volunteer?
Volunteers register online and submit a Volunteer Agreement, Release and Waiver of Liability. Once these are received you will be contacted with next steps. Anyone not completing these steps will not be allowed to volunteer.
Can I come late or leave early?
No. Volunteers should only reserve a shift if they can commit to the entire time. Work to be completed is scheduled based on the number of volunteers and the time they have committed to. When someone works only part of their shift, it can throw off the entire schedule. Additionally, if you arrive late and miss the mandatory safety training, you will not be allowed to volunteer.
What do the different colored hard-hats mean?
All first time volunteers are issued a white hard-hat. When you volunteer more than once, you will be issued a yellow hard hat. Volunteers who have volunteerd multiple times and have the experience and knowledge to mentor newer volunteers wear a blue hard hat and are issued a sticker for every home they help build. When in doubt, look for a “Blue Hat.”
What should I wear?
Closed-toe shoes are required – the sturdier the better. Wear clothing that you don’t mind getting dirty. We recommend that you be prepared for inclimate weather by bringing your rain gear and dress in layers. We will provide hard-hats and other safety gear.
What about the weather?
If we only built on sunny days, we wouldn’t get much done in a year! We generally build rain or shine. If weather conditions cause safety concerns, then your build day may be cancelled. We will provide you as much advance notice as possible. Be sure to keep an eye on your email in the days leading up to your volunteer day.
What should I bring?
Bring a lunch (and snacks if you wish). We recommend you bring a water bottle, you will be able to refill it at the job site, sunscreen, a hat, layered clothing and rain gear. Also, please bring a mask to protect yourself and your fellow volunteers. Leave all valuables at home. While we provide the tools you will need, you are welcome to bring your own hand tools, hardhat, work gloves, or safety goggles. Please label all your personal items with you name. Smoking, alcohol, and radios are not allowed on the build site. We also ask that you not use cell phones while on the site to prevent distrations that could lead to accidents.
Does Habitat provide lunch?
No. Please bring your lunch with you and plan to stay at the job site during the lunch break from 12:00 – 12:45 p.m. It’s a great time to discuss your experience so far and get to know the other volunteers and crew members.
What if I need to cancel?
If you need to cancel your construction volunteer shift, please contact us as soon as possible. Monday – Friday 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. you can call our office at (360) 679-9444 and/or email us. If it is a weekend, please refer to the contact information you recieved in your confirmation email.
How to get started
Volunteering is easy. Just provide a little information about yourself and your interests and abilities, complete and return the volunteer waiver, and select the volunteer opportunities you’re interested in.