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Frequently Asked Questions
When can I volunteer? How long do I need to volunteer?
We ask that our volunteers work for at least one full day. We have two options: construction work on our construction sites or non-construction work on our Community Projects, ReStore, or Warehouse. Our construction sites operate Tuesday through Saturday, from 7:45 AM to 3:15 PM. Our Community Projects operate Monday through Friday (available until 5/16/08), 8:00am-3:45pm. Our ReStore is open Monday through Friday, 8:00am-4:00pm. Our Warehouse is open Wednesday-Saturday, 9:00am-5:00pm. Please make sure to show up on time so as to be present for the safety talk and to be assigned a project for the day.
How old do I have to be to volunteer?
16. As of April 16th, 2008, it is the policy of Habitat for Humanity that children under the age of 16 are not allowed on the work site while there is any construction in progress. Minors 16 and 17 years of age are allowed to participate in general construction, however ultra hazardous activity such as: the use of power tools, excavation, demolition, or working at heights above 12 feet is not permitted. It is further the policy of Habitat for Humanity that every minor must be accompanied by a responsible adult of 21 years of age or more. If you have two or more minors in your group, there must be one responsible adult for every five minors. In addition, we require all volunteers to fill out our Volunteer Waiver. Every minor’s parent/guardian must sign his/her waiver. Anyone over the age of 18 can do any of the various construction tasks on the site.
Do I need to be an expert?
No. Volunteers with all levels of experience are invited to volunteer with us. If you have are experienced, please let our Construction staff know when you arrive on site.
May I work even though I have some physical limitations? What if I have allergies/asthma?
Yes. There are a number of tasks that do not involve strenuous labor. Please advise the Habitat staff you are working with of your limitations. For more serious limitations there may be opportunities to work at our Restore or office.
If I volunteer with a group, will we all be able to work together?
To ensure a quality experience for our volunteers we will assign no more than 20 volunteers to a specific house. Groups with more than 20 members should anticipate working on multiple houses and/or sites.
What goes on at the worksite?
Homes are at all stages of the construction process. We build houses from the floor up. Tasks on the construction site fluctuate depending on need, weather, etc. You will be assigned to a task every morning.
What does it cost?
It is free to volunteer with us. However, if you are a group with 15 or more members, please contact us for requested donation information.
Does New Orleans Area Habitat for Humanity provide transportation, food, and lodging?
No. It is the responsibility of the volunteer to arrange their own travel, food and housing accommodations. Check the “Volunteer” page on our website for links to hotel and rental car discounts, local hostels, Camp Hope, RV parks, charter bus services, and tax deduction information. Many of the homes we work on are spread throughout neighborhoods, so please be prepared to drive to a house near your assigned meeting place.
Where should I stay?
The French Quarter is a convenient, central location for visitors. In addition, the Quarter is home to numerous restaurants and hotels where you can experience New Orleans culture. Additionally, you may stay at our Camp Hope, an elementary school turned into modest volunteer accommodations. At $150 per week (or $30/day) including meals, it is a great value for our volunteers. Please view a list of discounted hotel options, as well as RV and hostel sites on our “Volunteer” page on the website.
Should I bring food or water?
Yes. You must bring your own lunch to the site. If your food needs to be refrigerated, please bring an ice pack and/or insulated lunch cooler, because there are no refrigerators available on site. Water will be provided on site but it is recommended that you bring a water bottle with you to fill up during the day. There is a list of lunch options that can be viewed on the “Volunteer” page of the website.
Should I bring my own tools?
It is not necessary to bring any tools, as they will be provided for you. If you wish to bring your own tools you are welcome to. Items that are especially useful are a tool belt, hammer, measuring tape, pencil, razor knife, cat/bear claw, etc. We recommend that you label all of your personal tools.
What do I wear?
Footwear needs to be sturdy and closed-toe and closed-heel. Boots or sneakers are both considered appropriate footwear, however boots are preferable. You are not required to wear pants, but it is highly recommended. Please prepare for the weather by checking the forecast before your 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. You may also want to bring bug spray.
What if the weather is bad?
Work will continue on site unless determined otherwise by the construction staff. It is very rare that a work day is cancelled. If a work day is cancelled, it will be announced on the work site, on the morning of, at 7:45am.
Is it safe?
People should use their best judgment and use their instincts. No serious crimes have been reported on the worksite, possibly due to the great rapport between Habitat and the local precinct, located just two blocks away. Additionally, the local police and the National Guard patrol the area. Please keep valuable items at home.
Do I have to go to an orientation/training?
No. You will receive a small orientation 15 minutes after you arrive at the work site, which includes a safety lecture. In addition, you will receive on-site training/tutorials on tasks that you are assigned to for the day.
Is there any paperwork?
Yes. All volunteers will need to sign a waiver. If you are an individual, please complete the Individual Waiver Form and bring it with you to the work site. If you are a group, please complete the Group Waiver Form and bring it with you to the work site. If there is anyone under 18, parents/guardians must sign for the volunteer. If you are a group of 15 or more, you will need to complete the Volunteer Form and return it to our office via email.
What if I need to cancel my work dates?
Please log in to our website and go to the Construction Calendar. Click on “View My Scheduled Dates” and click on the date you wish to cancel. If you are canceling a date within two weeks, please contact our office at (504) 861-4121. We are open Monday through Friday, 9:00am-5:00pm.
What if I have trouble registering on the website?
Please call our Volunteer Services office at (504) 861-4121 and we will assist you. We are open Monday through Friday, 9:00am-5:00pm.
PLEASE CAREFULLY READ THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION BEFORE REGISTERING TO VOLUNTEER
- How do I volunteer?
- When can I volunteer? How long do I need to volunteer?
- How old do I have to be to volunteer?
- Do I need to be an expert?
- May I work even though I have some physical limitations? What if I have allergies/asthma?
- If I volunteer with a group, will we all be able to work together?
- What goes on at the worksite?
- What does it cost?
- Does New Orleans Area Habitat for Humanity provide transportation, food, and lodging?
- Where should I stay?
- Should I bring food or water?
- Should I bring my own tools?
- What do I wear?
- What if the weather is bad?
- Is it safe?
- Do I have to go to an orientation/training?
- Is there any paperwork?
- What if I need to cancel my work dates?
- What if I have trouble registering on the website?
How do I volunteer?
First register by clicking on the “Volunteer” link. Please follow the instructions as an Individual or Group (groups of 15 or more, please follow special instructions). After you complete registration, you must schedule yourself on the “Construction Calendar.” One week before your work date(s), you will receive an email giving you the address you will report to in the morning.
When can I volunteer? How long do I need to volunteer?
We ask that our volunteers work for at least one full day. We have two options: construction work on our construction sites or non-construction work on our Community Projects, ReStore, or Warehouse. Our construction sites operate Tuesday through Saturday, from 7:45 AM to 3:15 PM. Our Community Projects operate Monday through Friday (available until 5/16/08), 8:00am-3:45pm. Our ReStore is open Monday through Friday, 8:00am-4:00pm. Our Warehouse is open Wednesday-Saturday, 9:00am-5:00pm. Please make sure to show up on time so as to be present for the safety talk and to be assigned a project for the day.
How old do I have to be to volunteer?
16. As of April 16th, 2008, it is the policy of Habitat for Humanity that children under the age of 16 are not allowed on the work site while there is any construction in progress. Minors 16 and 17 years of age are allowed to participate in general construction, however ultra hazardous activity such as: the use of power tools, excavation, demolition, or working at heights above 12 feet is not permitted. It is further the policy of Habitat for Humanity that every minor must be accompanied by a responsible adult of 21 years of age or more. If you have two or more minors in your group, there must be one responsible adult for every five minors. In addition, we require all volunteers to fill out our Volunteer Waiver. Every minor’s parent/guardian must sign his/her waiver. Anyone over the age of 18 can do any of the various construction tasks on the site.
Do I need to be an expert?
No. Volunteers with all levels of experience are invited to volunteer with us. If you have are experienced, please let our Construction staff know when you arrive on site.
May I work even though I have some physical limitations? What if I have allergies/asthma?
Yes. There are a number of tasks that do not involve strenuous labor. Please advise the Habitat staff you are working with of your limitations. For more serious limitations there may be opportunities to work at our Restore or office.
Our work sites in New Orleans are new construction, and therefore pose little risk for mold allergies to get irritated. You should take into account the humidity, heat and abundance of plant life. Bring your medication with you and be sure to take breaks when necessary.
If I volunteer with a group, will we all be able to work together?
To ensure a quality experience for our volunteers we will assign no more than 20 volunteers to a specific house. Groups with more than 20 members should anticipate working on multiple houses and/or sites.
What goes on at the worksite?
Homes are at all stages of the construction process. We build houses from the floor up. Tasks on the construction site fluctuate depending on need, weather, etc. You will be assigned to a task every morning.
What does it cost?
It is free to volunteer with us. However, if you are a group with 15 or more members, please contact us for requested donation information.
Does New Orleans Area Habitat for Humanity provide transportation, food, and lodging?
No. It is the responsibility of the volunteer to arrange their own travel, food and housing accommodations. Check the “Volunteer” page on our website for links to hotel and rental car discounts, local hostels, Camp Hope, RV parks, charter bus services, and tax deduction information. Many of the homes we work on are spread throughout neighborhoods, so please be prepared to drive to a house near your assigned meeting place.
Where should I stay?
The French Quarter is a convenient, central location for visitors. In addition, the Quarter is home to numerous restaurants and hotels where you can experience New Orleans culture. Additionally, you may stay at our Camp Hope, an elementary school turned into modest volunteer accommodations. At $150 per week (or $30/day) including meals, it is a great value for our volunteers. Please view a list of discounted hotel options, as well as RV and hostel sites on our “Volunteer” page on the website.
Should I bring food or water?
Yes. You must bring your own lunch to the site. If your food needs to be refrigerated, please bring an ice pack and/or insulated lunch cooler, because there are no refrigerators available on site. Water will be provided on site but it is recommended that you bring a water bottle with you to fill up during the day. There is a list of lunch options that can be viewed on the “Volunteer” page of the website.
Should I bring my own tools?
It is not necessary to bring any tools, as they will be provided for you. If you wish to bring your own tools you are welcome to. Items that are especially useful are a tool belt, hammer, measuring tape, pencil, razor knife, cat/bear claw, etc. We recommend that you label all of your personal tools.
What do I wear?
Footwear needs to be sturdy and closed-toe and closed-heel. Boots or sneakers are both considered appropriate footwear, however boots are preferable. You are not required to wear pants, but it is highly recommended. Please prepare for the weather by checking the forecast before your 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. You may also want to bring bug spray.
What if the weather is bad?
Work will continue on site unless determined otherwise by the construction staff. It is very rare that a work day is cancelled. If a work day is cancelled, it will be announced on the work site, on the morning of, at 7:45am.
Is it safe?
People should use their best judgment and use their instincts. No serious crimes have been reported on the worksite, possibly due to the great rapport between Habitat and the local precinct, located just two blocks away. Additionally, the local police and the National Guard patrol the area. Please keep valuable items at home.
Do I have to go to an orientation/training?
No. You will receive a small orientation 15 minutes after you arrive at the work site, which includes a safety lecture. In addition, you will receive on-site training/tutorials on tasks that you are assigned to for the day.
Is there any paperwork?
Yes. All volunteers will need to sign a waiver. If you are an individual, please complete the Individual Waiver Form and bring it with you to the work site. If you are a group, please complete the Group Waiver Form and bring it with you to the work site. If there is anyone under 18, parents/guardians must sign for the volunteer. If you are a group of 15 or more, you will need to complete the Volunteer Form and return it to our office via email.
What if I need to cancel my work dates?
Please log in to our website and go to the Construction Calendar. Click on “View My Scheduled Dates” and click on the date you wish to cancel. If you are canceling a date within two weeks, please contact our office at (504) 861-4121. We are open Monday through Friday, 9:00am-5:00pm.
What if I have trouble registering on the website?
Please call our Volunteer Services office at (504) 861-4121 and we will assist you. We are open Monday through Friday, 9:00am-5:00pm.
